Tag Archives: driving

General Safety Issues

DISTRACTED DRIVERS ARE DEADLY DRIVERS, Part II

Week four of National Safety Month, 2010, in the U.S. focuses on distracted drivers using cell phones.  Parts of this article were originally written for week four of National Safety Month, 2009; however, things haven’t changed very much in a year’s time.  There have probably been more persons to add to the statistics that have killed or injured by someone who was texting or using a cell phone while driving.  (On ABC News last night, it was reported that there is a 23% more risk of an accident if texting on a cell phone while driving.) Let’s hope someone out there will heed this message.
Our vehicles now have so many complex DVD players, CD players, bluetooth and satellite navigation systems that it’s a wonder we actually have time to focus on the main thing – driving!  The National Highway Transportation Highway Safety Administration reports that distracted drivers cause nearly 4 out of 5 motor vehicle crashes in the United States.  Now we get to the major culprit: cell phones.    In a survey taken by a major insurance company, almost 40% of teens and young adults admitted that they send and receive text messages while driving, and also said they hit someone while doing so, or were almost hit by another car whose driver was talking/texting on their cell phone.
In our article earlier this year, “Thank You, Oprah,” we recognized this celebrity who has convinced thousands of drivers to take the “No Phone Zone Pledge.”  If you have seen just one of her shows that features a family or person who has been affected by an accident caused by a driver using their cell phone or texting while driving, it should have convinced you to sign her pledge. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration reports that more than 150,000 persons are injured in accidents caused by drivers either texting or talking on their cell phones each year.
The next time you get behind the wheel, think about your total commitment to safe driving.  Things that are going on in your life that might cause you to become distracted, are not worth losing your life over.  Try this:
o Turn the cell phone off.  Your messages will be on it when you arrive safely at your destination.  (In your heart, you know it’s the right thing to do!)
o Visit with your passengers without looking at them. (They can still hear you.)
o Don’t eat while driving, and of course, don’t drink alcohol while driving (it’s against the law!),
o Put your make up on before you leave the house.
o Do your reading at home, work, or the library!
o Set your entertainment or navigation systems before you start.
o Strap in the kids and hope for the best.
More and more travelers will take to the roads during the summer months.  Always stay focused on being a safe driver.  That should be your #1 priority every time you start the car.  Don’t let distractions get in your way.
Week four of National Safety Month, 2010, in the U.S. focuses on distracted drivers using cell phones.  Parts of this article were originally written for week four of National Safety Month, 2009; however, things haven’t changed very much in a year’s time.  There have probably been more persons to add to the statistics that have killed or injured by someone who was texting or using a cell phone while driving.  (On ABC News recently, it was reported that there is a 23% more risk of an accident if texting on a cell phone while driving.) Let’s hope someone out there will heed this message.
Our vehicles now have so many complex DVD players, CD players, bluetooth and satellite navigation systems that it’s a wonder we actually have time to focus on the main thing – driving!  The National Highway Transportation Highway Safety Administration reports that distracted drivers cause nearly 4 out of 5 motor vehicle crashes in the United States.  Now we get to the major culprit: cell phones.    In a survey taken by a major insurance company, almost 40% of teens and young adults admitted that they send and receive text messages while driving, and also said they hit someone while doing so, or were almost hit by another car whose driver was talking/texting on their cell phone.
In our article earlier this year, “Thank You, Oprah,” we recognized this celebrity who has convinced thousands of drivers to take the “No Phone Zone Pledge.”  If you have seen just one of her shows that features a family or person who has been affected by an accident caused by a driver using their cell phone or texting while driving, it should have convinced you to sign her pledge. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration reports that more than 150,000 persons are injured in accidents caused by drivers either texting or talking on their cell phones each year.
The next time you get behind the wheel, think about your total commitment to safe driving.  Things that are going on in your life that might cause you to become distracted, are not worth losing your life over.  Try this:
  • Turn the cell phone off.  Your messages will be on it when you arrive safely at your destination.  (In your heart, you know it’s the right thing to do!)
  • Visit with your passengers without looking at them. (They can still hear you.)
  • Don’t eat while driving, and of course, don’t drink alcohol while driving (it’s against the law!),
  • Put your make up on before you leave the house.
  • Do your reading at home, work, or the library!
  • Set your entertainment or navigation systems before you start.
  • Strap in the kids and hope for the best.
More and more travelers will take to the roads during the summer months.  Always stay focused on being a safe driver.  That should be your #1 priority every time you start the car.  Don’t let distractions get in your way.
General Safety Issues

NATIONAL SAFETY MONTH WEEK TWO: TEEN DRIVING SAFETY

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Guest Blogger: Pat Brownlee

This week’s topic as part of National Safety Month is Teen Driving Safety.

Just one of the many challenges of rearing teens is teaching them to drive.  As parents of three grown children, our kids went through their share of accidents, some more serious than others that were little minor fender-benders.  It is important that we as parents and grandparents teach our kids the consequences that can occur if they are not serious about careful driving.  The first time they are allowed to take the car by themselves, usually on short errands, they sometimes face the temptation to make a few extra blocks, hoping that their friends see them.

Now, we have two teenagers that are almost fifteen, and when they come to visit, we get to give them driving lessons, the same as we did when their parents were growing up.  (Hopefully, they will remember how much fun it was to get to drive on a country road.)  Maybe there will be something that we have demonstrated or mentioned that will jog their memory to be careful drivers.

Even after they have taken driver’s education and passed their state licensing requirements, it is still normal to worry about teenagers getting behind the wheel.  There are too many distractions for all drivers now.  Parents should start setting a good example for their children years before they are of driving age.  If kids see parents exhibit temper fits when they are cut off in busy traffic, speed, or use their cell phones or text while driving, the youngsters are probably going to do the very same thing, when they become drivers.  The best policy is to not use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free ones.  Anyone engaged in conversation is not paying close enough attention to the road.  Teenagers have enough distractions: loud music, too many passengers, and too many gadgets to contend with instead of focusing on driving.

So, parents, a word to the wise: teach safe driving by example.  Drive safely, show courtesy to fellow drivers, and don’t let other things take your mind off the task at hand – getting to your destination safely.  Allow plenty of time, so you aren’t rushed, and keep reminding your teens that driving a car can be fun, but that they are expected to recognize the fact that they are responsible for themselves and anyone with them.  Lastly,  drive defensively and watch for the other person, as he may not be watching for you!  There are bad drivers of any age, but let’s teach our kids to appreciate the freedom driving affords them, by encouraging them to be safe at all times.

General Safety Issues

ANOTHER WAKE-UP CALL FOR DUI OFFENDERS

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Recently, a Tarrant County, Texas, jury sentenced a 31 year-old woman to 16 years in prison for being drunk when she caused a collision January 11, 2009, that killed a 20 year-old young man, riding in a small car that was broadsided as she ran a red light, driving at a speed of 70 m.p.h.  In addition, she was sentenced to 10 years in prison for intoxication assault because the driver of the car was permanently maimed.  The driver, who was 21 at the time of the accident, spent 85 days in a Fort Worth hospital and now uses a wheelchair.  He has difficulty speaking; his life has been altered because of the recklessness of someone who had spent the evening drinking at two nightclubs and had a blood alcohol content that was more than twice the legal limit.

The driver of the SUV had no criminal history, but the jury handed down the stiff sentence.  After passing sentence, the District Judge ruled she could serve her two prison terms concurrently.  She must serve at least eight years before she will be eligible for parole.  The prosecutor noted that “if it makes someone think twice about drinking and driving”, that’s fabulous.  (Just seeing the video of this horrible wreck, filmed by the red-light camera, was enough to make you get into the habit of slowing down when you come to an intersection.  It was like watching a race car speed down the street, hitting the victims’ car so hard it just disappeared.)

After the verdict, several family members addressed the woman in the courtroom.  The young man who drove the small car had prepared a montage of pictures shown on a video screen.  It showed him as a young boy, then a strapping young man who joked with friends and family, swam, and played sports.  “Then I met you,” the text on the video said.  Next, were photographs of his mangled car, and breathing tubes he used as he fought for life in an intensive care unit.  The final text said “Don’t forget me,” “because I sure won’t forget you.”

If you go out with friends and have a few drinks, use your head and give the keys to someone else.  We have to be responsible for each other.  Take the keys away when you see someone taking a chance getting behind the wheel!  It may make them angry, but you may keep them from endangering their life, and hurting or killing others.  Lives can be forever changed for the victims of a driver under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

The woman who was speeding through a busy intersection will have to live with the guilt associated with her careless act.  Sometimes even nice people make mistakes, and that one will stay with her forever.

Source:
Fort Worth Star-Telegram

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Weather Protection

RAINY DAY DRIVING TIPS

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According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, there are annually more than 450,000 injuries caused by crashes in adverse weather conditions, especially on slick pavements.  Two key factors to be considered in order to avoid an accident while driving on rain-soaked highways or streets, are speed and visibility.

Most driving experts agree that slowing down is one of the most important things drivers can do when driving in the rain.  It is recommended that when driving over 35 mph, your speed should be reduced by 5 mph for every posted speed limit.  (In other words, if the posted speed limit is 50, you would slow down to 45).  The other thing to remember is to keep your headlights on – that not only helps you see, but helps you be seen by other drivers.

Please consider these tips for safe driving in the rain:

  • Don’t follow the car in front of you too closely because your ability to slow down will be hindered by the wet road.
  • Oily deposits at intersections can be very hazardous when mixed with rain, causing a chance for skidding.
  • Staying in the same lane is safer than changing lanes frequently.
  • Be sure your tires are in good condition; bald tires will reduce traction, which can result in hydroplaning, if you are traveling too fast.
  • Replace windshield wipers once a year.
  • Be sure to watch for car’s brake lights in front of you.
  • Humidity causes windows to fog up, so use the defroster to keep windows clear.
  • Pedestrians and animals are harder to see during rain, so reducing your speed could help you avoid injury to someone or something else, as well as yourself.
  • Never drive through moving water.  If water comes to the bottom of your car doors, or the bottom one-third of your tires, do not try to go through it.  Attempting that may cause you to be washed off the road.  Water can also cause serious damage to the electrical system of the car.
  • Use a light touch when steering and braking.
  • Driving slowly and carefully can help you keep from skidding.

A good idea for those who drive in rain, snow, or other adverse conditions is to keep a “care package” in the car.  Take blankets, snacks, water, ice scraper, flashlight, and a First Aid Kit with you at all times, just in case.

There’s a theory going around that wearing sunglasses when driving in the rain increases your visibility.  Personally, I haven’t tried it, but guess it wouldn’t hurt to try.  We checked this out on Snopes.com, and it’s still being researched.

Please drive with care in rainy or sunny weather.  Let’s leaving the “spinning out” to the winning NASCAR drivers!

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

PLANES, TRAINS, AND AUTOMOBILES

Northwest Airlines brought another “distracted driving” issue to the forefront recently, when one of its flights’ two pilots missed their destination by 150 miles because they were busy with their laptops.  It seems they became so engrossed in researching a newly designed work schedule system, they failed to hear the air traffic controllers frantically trying to restore contact with them.  Delta Airlines, which recently purchased Northwest Airlines, stated “using laptops or engaging in acts unrelated to command of aircraft during flight is strictly against the airlines flight deck policies.”  One former pilot noted that it is not unusual for one pilot to possibly use a laptop during flight, but it is highly unusual for two persons to use laptops at the same time.  This led to two of the biggest safety violations in commercial aviation: pilot complacency and lax cockpit disciplines.  Many airlines, such as Southwest, prohibit electronic devices, i.e. laptops, cell phones, PDA’s, unless they are approved by FAA and, in the case of Southwest, supplied by Southwest Airlines.

In the past, we have talked about distracted drivers being deadly drivers.  There has been an abundance of articles about persons in charge of trains, buses or cars causing many deaths, all because they were texting on their cell phones!  It seems the 144 persons onboard the flight mentioned above landed safely, along with the crew, but it does bring this issue to the forefront: we must not let all those sophisticated “toys” distract us from the job at hand.  Pilots of planes, bus drivers, train engineers, and all other persons who have command of vehicles should give their full attention to the safety of passengers.

It’s a sure bet that the FAA and other government officials will be looking at this incident.  It may not be the first time something like this has happened, but let’s hope it will be the last!  Regardless of working an 8-hour shift or 12-hour shift, our employer is paying us for doing our job.  We don’t get paid to sleep, play games, or use personal electronic equipment on the job.   It’s too bad that being on long flights are boring for some pilots; but considering the pay they receive, and the lives that are in their hands, giving full attention to performing their job safely is a small thing to ask.

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

SMALL TOWNS HAVE THEIR SHARE OF DANGER, TOO!

As I was jaywalking to get across the street to my car this week, a lady in the car parked next to mine almost mowed me down!  I happened to notice she was starting to back out, so I hurriedly stepped out of her way.  Standing there, as I waited for her to see me, I realized that she didn’t even noticed what had happened.  She never looked back or to the side, but drove straight ahead and faced forward once her car was in the street.  There were a couple of witnesses, who agreed that I was very lucky, as she would not have known what happened until I was probably a goner!  I live in a very small town, and just about everyone in this town jaywalks most of the time, but I was wrong in walking behind that parked car.

Here are some excellent tips that I will definitely follow, from now on:

  • Cross only at intersections.  Do not jaywalk!
  • Do not cross between parked cars.  Drivers are not expecting this, and you are more likely to get hit.
  • Don’t take the “No Right Turn on Red” signs for granted.  Always check for vehicles that may be turning, as the motorists may not be watching for you, either.
  • Stop and look, left, right, and left again before you step onto the street.  Evaluate the speed and distance of oncoming traffic.
  • Wear bright colors or reflective clothing if you are walking near traffic at night.
  • Always look for signs of a moving car, (rear lights, exhaust smoke, motor noise, wheels turning) and never walk behind a vehicle that is backing up. (I won’t!)
  • Always hold your child’s hand.  Do not let a child under 10 cross the street alone.
  • If you walk on a road that has no sidewalks, walk facing the traffic.
  • Don’t dash into the street. (I can’t dash anymore!)
  • If you are in a parking lot of a big store, pay attention to vehicles that may start backing out.

And, drivers:

  • Keep a look out for pedestrians any time, but especially at night or in inclement weather, as they may be hard to see.
  • Stop for pedestrians who are in a crosswalk, even unmarked ones.  Stop well back enough so that other drivers may see the pedestrians, too.
  • Some pedestrians may be physically or mentally impaired, unfamiliar with how to cross safely, or simply not paying attention, so don’t assume that they will act predictably.
  • Especially be careful when driving in neighborhoods and school areas.  Drive there like you would want people to drive in your neighborhood.

Accidents happen anywhere, all the time.  We have to play it safe, walking or driving.  If an item gets broken, most of the time it can be fixed.  When a vehicle hits a pedestrian, it may not be easily “fixable”, so we all must pay attention.  I know I am going to.

Source: getstreetsmarts.org

General Safety Issues

DELIVERING THE MESSAGE

The British have discovered a way to really wake us up.  Last night, I saw some video clips they have produced of staged accidents involving drivers who were texting on their cell phones while driving.  Maybe you saw them on YouTube.  Extremely graphic, they depict several different scenarios of wrecks and the persons involved, and the outcomes are horrible.

As I was reviewing information on the internet on this subject today, I noticed an advertisement on the same page for a cell phone that you can access just about anything you want to see – “one click to Facebook”!

Cell phones are probably one of the greatest inventions of our time and can be useful in times of emergencies.  Frankly, I don’t know how we ever got along without them.  Cell phones are such a convenience; we can stay in touch with our loved ones or friends in a matter of seconds, coordinate meetings, make appointments, and walk around the house, all at the same time!  You’ll notice I didn’t mention “drive a car” all at the same time.  But, that’s what we do.  I saw a woman taking her little one to school this morning, talking on her cell phone the whole time.  Do you wonder if that call could have waited?  (Beginning September 1st in Texas, state law prohibits the use of cell phones in school zones.  Fines of up to $200 can be imposed.  The law does allow hands-free use of cell phones or emergency use only.)

The simple task of making a call while driving is enough of a diversion.  It’s not the fault of the cell phone if there is an accident while driving.  It’s the fault of the person operating the car and the phone at the same time.  When you have to look down to read a message someone is sending you, you are taking a chance on hurting yourself, your passengers, or the other guy meeting you. (And what if he’s texting, what are your chances, then?)

Statistics have shown that texting and driving is just about dead even with drinking and driving.  Do you think you have it under control, or that it won’t hurt anyone?  THINK AGAIN.  And if you get a chance to see how the Brits deliver the message, you will change your mind.

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

WHAT’S YOUR EXCUSE?

Since we have talked about distracted drivers, we thought it might be fun to share this email we got today from a friend.  True or not, isn’t it amazing the stories we humans come up with?  Here goes…….
People who experienced automobile accidents were asked to explain what happened in a few words or less on insurance or accident forms. The following quotes were taken from these forms and were eventually published… ·

  • Coming home, I drove into the wrong house and collided with a tree I don’t have.
  • The other car collided with mine without giving warning of its intentions.
  • I collided with a stationary truck coming the other way.
  • A truck backed through my windshield into my face.
  • A pedestrian hit me and went under my car.
  • The guy was all over the road; I had to swerve a number of times before I hit him.
  • I pulled away from the side of the road, glanced at my mother-in-law and headed over the embankment.
  • In my attempt to kill a fly, I drove into a telephone pole.
  • I had been driving my car for forty years when I fell asleep at the wheel and had an accident.
  • As I approached the intersection, a stop sign suddenly appeared in place where no stop sign had ever appeared before.
  • I was unable to stop in time to avoid the accident.
  • To avoid hitting the bumper of the car in front, I struck the pedestrian.
  • My car was legally parked as it backed into the other vehicle.
  • An invisible car came out of nowhere, struck my vehicle, and vanished.
  • I told the police that I was not injured, but on removing my hat, I found that I had a skull fracture.
  • I was sure the old fellow would never make it to the other side of the roadway when I struck him.
  • The pedestrian had no idea which direction to go, so I ran over him.
  • The indirect cause of this accident was a little guy in a small car with a big mouth.
  • The telephone pole was approaching fast. I was attempting to swerve out of its path when it struck my front.

Can you top any of these?  All joking aside, we really need to take our driving seriously and pay attention to the road!

General Safety Issues

DISTRACTED DRIVERS ARE DEADLY DRIVERS

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Week four of National Safety Month focuses on distracted drivers.  Is there truly anyone out there who can say they haven’t taken their eyes off the road to retrieve something that fell off the car seat, or attempt to comfort a fussy child, or get caught up in a vigorous conversation with their passenger?  Have you noticed some woman putting her make-up on while driving?

I was following a lady who was weaving in the road, and when I passed her, she was reading a road map while driving!  Guess what?  I’m just as guilty, as I took my eyes off the road to see what she was doing.  And what about the guy who’s reading as he’s driving down the road? How safe are you if you meet him on the highway?

Our vehicles now have so many complex DVD players, CD players, bluetooth and satellite navigation systems that it’s a wonder we actually have time to focus on the main thing – driving!  The National Highway Transportation Highway Safety Administration reports that distracted drivers cause nearly 4 out of 5 motor vehicle crashes in the United States.  Now we get to one of the major culprits: cell phones.    In a survey taken by a major insurance company, almost 40% of teens and young adults admitted that they send and receive text messages while driving, and also said they hit someone while doing so, or were almost hit by another car whose driver was talking on their cell phone.

What are driving distractions?  Words that describe distraction are interruption, diversion, agitation, commotion, and disturbance.  Who of us, at sometime, haven’t faced any of these situations?  Our curiosity gets the best of us when something is happening away from the road, and we just have to take a glance.  Or if a song comes on the radio that we just can’t stand, we have to get it reach over to change it right away.  Are we always conscience of pedestrians and persons on bikes?  We can ask ourselves to think back to the close calls we have had, and I would bet everyone has had at least one.

Next time you get behind the wheel, think about your total commitment to safe driving.  Things that are going on in your life that might cause you to become sidetracked, are not worth losing your life over.  Try this:

  • Visit with your passengers without looking at them. (They can still hear you.)
  • Don’t eat while driving, and of course, don’t drink alcohol while driving (it’s against the law!),
  • Put your make up on before you leave the house.
  • Do your reading at home, work, or the library!
  • Set your entertainment or navigation systems before you start.
  • Strap in the kids and hope for the best.
  • Turn the cell phone off.  Your messages will be on it when you arrive safely at your destination.  (In your heart, you know it’s the right thing to do!)

More and more travelers will take to the roads during the summer months.  Always stay focused on arriving at your destination safely.  That should be the #1 priority every time you start the car.  Don’t let distractions get in your way.

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

CLICK IT OR TICKET!

Every year during this holiday period, law enforcement agencies join forces day and night, coast-to-coast, to deliver the most successful seatbelt enforcement campaign ever.  The “Click It or Ticket” National Enforcement Mobilization dates are May 18 – 31, and August 21 – September 7, 2009.  Started by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, most states are onboard in stressing the importance of wearing seatbelts and using proper child seat restraints.  Many persons who died in traffic crashes were not wearing seatbelts.  In the United States, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for 15-20 year olds.

With the upcoming Memorial Day weekend, law enforcement agencies are launching campaigns to let drivers know, especially teenage drivers, that there will be tickets written for all persons under 18 who are not wearing seatbelts, whether they are in the front or back seat, and that children less than five years old and under 36” tall must be safely secured in a child seat.

Similarly, Texas law states that if any passenger under age 17 is not wearing a seat belt- front or back seat- the driver will be ticketed.  Since 1999, the Texas Department of Public Safety has had a Zero tolerance policy regarding seatbelts and child safety seats.  Violations can result in fines up to $200, plus additional court costs.

A September, 2008, report published by the NHTSA, showed that seatbelt use was 84% in passenger cars, 86% in vans and suv’s, and 74% by truck occupants, which indicates that seatbelt use is improving every year.  This followed daylight observations in 1800 sites nationwide.  States with primary seatbelt laws averaged 13% higher at 88% use of seat belts, than states with secondary seatbelt laws, which had 75% use of seatbelts.  Primary seatbelt law states allow citations for seatbelt violations alone.  Secondary law states are allowed to issue seatbelt tickets if the vehicle is stopped for another violation.

So, whether in your state it’s “Buckle Up, America, “Buckle Up, your state”), “Click It or Ticket”, it’s a good idea to follow the law and do all you can to keep yourself and your passengers safe.  Your holiday will end on a better note if you don’t have to go to court to pay a fine when you get home.  After you buckle up, drive carefully, watch for the other drivers, and have a safe holiday!