Driving in the Sane Lane
The world's first documented automobile related fatality occurred in London in1896. Since that time 25 million people have died from automobile crashes according to the World Health Organization. This figure continues to rise even as safety technology increases.
Causes of Automobile Collisions
1. Driver Distraction: As many as half of all automobile collisions in the United States are due to driver distraction or inattention. The reaction time of an average driver is 1.5 seconds. The reaction time for a driver distracted by loud music, noisy children or other disturbances is 3 seconds.
a. Rubbernecking: Keep your eyes and your attention on what you are doing. Do not slow down and try to observe vehicles or persons involved in another wreck you may be passing.
b. Sightseeing: Do not look at the scenery if you are the driver.
c. Children: Do not focus your attention on or try to discipline children while driving.
d. CD Players and Radios: Set your radio station, CD's or other entertainment before you leave your destination. Do not search for CD's or try to remove or insert CD's while you are driving. Keep the volume at a reasonable level.
e. Cell Phones: Cell phones are not for drivers. Do not call anyone and do not answer a call while you are driving. Talking on a cell phone while driving quadruples your risk of being involved in a collision.
f. Reading: Do not read maps, directions or other items while you are driving.
g. Make-up: Do not try to apply or repair make-up of any kind or try to arrange your hair while you are driving.
2. Fatigue: Drowsy drivers account for more than 100,000 accidents every year according to the U.S. National Traffic Safety Administration. Some symptoms of driver fatigue are: heavy eyelids, frequent yawning, feeling fidgety or irritable, varying speeds or drifting over traffic lines for no reason. Here are a few things worth considering:
- Get a good night's sleep before a long trip.
- Take a break at least every two hours.
- Share the driving whenever possible.
- Avoid long drives after a day's work.
- Avoid drinking before driving.
- Do not take medication that could cause drowsiness before you drive.
- If drowsiness occurs pull over and stop. Walk around or take a nap if necessary.
3. Drunk Driving: Every half hour someone is killed in an alcohol related crash. The only way to prevent these crashes is to not drink and drive. If you are going to drink make arrangements ahead of time to have a designated driver who is not going to drink anything intoxicating.
4. Speeding: You may think that if the speed limit is 50 mph you are not hurting anything by going 55 mph. It is only 5 mph over the speed limit and you almost definitely will not be stopped and/or ticketed for an excess of 5 mph. However, each increment of speed further reduces the ability to steer around curves or objects in the roadway, increases the distance a vehicle travels while the driver reacts to a dangerous situation, increases the stopping distance and increases the force upon impact.
Remember these facts from the Handbook of Responsible Drivers:
- At 20 mph, it takes 19.04 feet to stop.
- At 40 mph, it takes 76.19 feet to stop.
- At 60 mph, it takes 171.42 feet to stop.
- At 40 mph, the impact is like driving off a four-story building.
- At 60 mph, it is like driving off a nine-story building. Few people will survive a crash of that magnitude.
5. Aggressive Driving: Are you an aggressive driver? One definition of an aggressive driver is anyone who operates a motor vehicle in a selfish, bold or pushy manner, without regard for the rights or safety of others. Everyone knows that aggressive tailgating, honking or making rude gestures at other drivers when you are irritated with them, or being verbally or physically abusive are aggressive tactics. But, did you know you are an aggressive driver if you are guilty of any of the following?
- Disregarding traffic signals
- Changing lanes frequently or in an unsafe manner
- Deliberately not allowing another vehicle to move (as in parking directly behind a parked vehicle that is trying to back out while you wait for a closer parking space to become available)
- Failure to yield the right of way
If you are guilty of any of the above, you should alter your behavior accordingly for your own safety and the safety of others. If you are the victim of an aggressive driver or road rage the following guidelines may help you to avoid injury.
- Remain calm.
- Keep your distance.
- Do not pass unless you have to.
- Change lanes once it is safe.
- If you cannot change lanes and an aggressive driver is behind you, stay where you are, maintain proper speed and do not respond with hostile gestures.
- If the situation is severe call 911 to report the aggressive driver.
6. Weather: Heavy rain, hail, snowstorms, ice, high winds and fog all can make driving hazardous. Be sure to check the weather in your area and allow extra time to reach your destination. Turn on your headlights to be more visible to other vehicles. You may have trouble seeing, as well as stopping, so leave extra room between your car and the one in front of you. If necessary, pull off the road, well out of the lanes of traffic, until conditions improve. Do not activate your cruise control when the roads are wet as this could cause you to lose control of your vehicle.
Rollovers
Rollover crashes account for 33 percent of all passenger vehicle fatalities taking the lives of more than 10,000 people every year. Taller, narrow vehicles are more likely to roll over. You are less likely to be fatally injured in a rollover if you are wearing a seatbelt so be sure to buckle up, even if you are not in the front seat.
To view rollover statistics for individual vehicles visit the rating section of www.safercar.gov
Tips for Avoiding Rollover Accidents
- Consult your owner's manual for the safe load maximum. Load your vehicle carefully, distributing the load evenly to minimize handling changes.
- When using a roof rack be aware that any load placed on the roof of your vehicle will be above the center of gravity increasing the potential for rolling over.
- Be aware that rollovers are more likely to happen on rural roads and highways as well as on curves due to narrower roads and less margin for error. Maintain a safe speed and avoid running off the road.
- Don't panic. Over correction can cause you to lose control, especially at highway speeds.
- Do not drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Do not drive when you are tired. If you get sleepy pull over and rest, walk around or nap. Driving while sleepy is as dangerous as driving while intoxicated.
- Maintain tire safety by keeping tires properly inflated and having them inspected regularly for tire wear. Tires without good tread can lose traction on wet roads and hydroplane causing a rollover.
- Increase your odds for surviving a rollover crash by wearing your seatbelt.
