Driving Safety
You are one careless mistake away from becoming a statistic. You can be a victim so you must be 100% aware of what is happening 360 degrees around you while driving. There are no reasons for distractions that lowers your response to complete 360 degree awareness. Every time you drive, you are legally and morally responsible for safely operating a potentially destructive - and even - a deadly force. Any lapse in attention to traffic or road conditions is a grave danger to you, your passengers and everyone else on the road.
In an attempt to save time by multitasking behind the wheel, drivers may choose to eat a meal, search for items in the glove box, use a cell phone, grab something from the back seat, tune their radio, turn to talk with their kids in the back seat, comb their hair, or even put on makeup while staring in the rear view mirror. Their attention is focused everywhere except where it should be - on the road.
People involved in automobile crashes are less likely to die today than in the past, thanks primarily to safer vehicle design and better safety systems. However, motor vehicle crash is still a major cause of traumatic injury. Crashes are not “accidents” but usually the result of human error or risk-taking—driving too fast, drinking and driving, distracted driving, etc. Other times, a vehicle can have a mechanical problem, so driving a car with a known mechanical problem can also be avoided.
The most common crash injury is bone fracture, often involving multiple breaks. Bone fractures can require extended rehabilitation, and crash victims may take months to fully recover their abilities.Elderly people face heightened risk following a crash trauma. Injuries that are not usually life-threatening for a younger person can be fatal for the elderly. For example, an older person with compromised lung function will have difficulty recovering from multiple rib fractures.
In an attempt to save time by multitasking behind the wheel, drivers may choose to eat a meal, search for items in the glove box, use a cell phone, grab something from the back seat, tune their radio, turn to talk with their kids in the back seat, comb their hair, or even put on makeup while staring in the rear view mirror. Their attention is focused everywhere except where it should be - on the road.
People involved in automobile crashes are less likely to die today than in the past, thanks primarily to safer vehicle design and better safety systems. However, motor vehicle crash is still a major cause of traumatic injury. Crashes are not “accidents” but usually the result of human error or risk-taking—driving too fast, drinking and driving, distracted driving, etc. Other times, a vehicle can have a mechanical problem, so driving a car with a known mechanical problem can also be avoided.
The most common crash injury is bone fracture, often involving multiple breaks. Bone fractures can require extended rehabilitation, and crash victims may take months to fully recover their abilities.Elderly people face heightened risk following a crash trauma. Injuries that are not usually life-threatening for a younger person can be fatal for the elderly. For example, an older person with compromised lung function will have difficulty recovering from multiple rib fractures.
Are you just dying to use your phone?
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Are you an aggressive driver?
You may feel entitled; you may be a bully; you may need things your own way; you may be late for an appointment or work. Nothing gives you the right to be an inconsiderate or aggressive driver. You know, the ones that fly past you and then cut you off with inches to spare. Maybe they make an offensive gesture when they feel you haven't been cooperative enough in their rush to get where they're going.
We all know exactly what an aggressive driver looks like. Or do we? Do any of these examples sound familiar?
You may feel entitled; you may be a bully; you may need things your own way; you may be late for an appointment or work. Nothing gives you the right to be an inconsiderate or aggressive driver. You know, the ones that fly past you and then cut you off with inches to spare. Maybe they make an offensive gesture when they feel you haven't been cooperative enough in their rush to get where they're going.
We all know exactly what an aggressive driver looks like. Or do we? Do any of these examples sound familiar?
- You faithfully merged to the right when you saw the sign announcing a lane closing ahead. And now, after waiting 10 minutes in line, someone comes driving down the empty left lane and tries to merge in front of you. You step on the gas and close the gap between you and the next car. They won't be cutting in front of you today!
- You're ten minutes late for work and driving just a bit over the speed limit when the light ahead of you turns yellow. You're not close enough to make it but you feel you can't afford to wait, so you step on the gas and rocket through the intersection just as the light turns red.
- You're driving 5-10 mph over the speed limit on a four-lane highway. As you change lanes to pass a slow-moving semi, you find a car sitting in the passing lane going about the same speed as the truck. You get right on their tail, flash your lights and give them a toot on the horn.
A picture is worth a thousand words. So is a powerful statistic. These printer-friendly posters feature memorable images and startling data that will help adults, teens and children think twice about risk-taking behaviors.
Crashes involving a distracted driver kill 16 people and injure more than 1,300 people each day. Anything that takes your hands off the steering wheel — including fast food — is a distraction that can lead to serious injury.
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Nearly 30 people die in the U.S. every day in car crashes involving a driver under the influence of alcohol. Drunk driving kills one person every 53 minutes.
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People who text behind the wheel are more likely to be in a car crash than other drivers. Nearly 20 percent of motor vehicle crashes involved distracted driving (2008). Sending a text message while you drive takes your hands off the steering wheel, your eyes off traffic and your mind off what you are doing. Texting while driving is illegal
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Content on this page is from www.froedtert.com, University Of Rochester
I joined the GRVAC because my father was a Life Member. My father, being a member, was larger than large in my eyes. My dad was always my hero. If he did it, I knew it was right. I always thought about joining but after 9/11, I made the move to join. I am so happy that I did! If you have ever spent time thinking about joining, now is the time.
Sal Danna |