Whether you are driving a Company vehicle or not, it is important to us to emphasize on the need for each of us to drive safely each day. Did you know?
- An estimated 20,160 people died in motor vehicle crashes in the first half of 2021, up 18.4% over 2020. That’s the largest number of projected fatalities in that time period since 2006.
- Every day about 8 people in the United States are killed in crashes that are reported to involve a distracted driver
AVOID DISTRACTED DRIVING
Anything that takes your attention away from driving can be considered a distraction. Traffic safety experts classify distractions into three main types:
- Manual:when you move your hands from the wheel.
- Visual:when you focus your eyes away from the road.
- Cognitive:when your mind wanders away from the task of driving.
A few examples of common activities that can cause distracted driving include:
- Talking or texting on the phone
- Eating and drinking
- Daydreaming
- Talking to passengers in your vehicle
- Messing with the stereo, entertainment or navigation system
DEFENSIVE DRIVING
Defensive Driving is it’s about thinking ahead and anticipating hazards so you can avoid accidents before they happen. You should always:
- Plan Ahead: Check weather conditions before you leave. Give yourself enough time to make the trip. When possible stick to a lane with a shoulder next to it, so you have somewhere to move in an emergency.
- Scan your Surroundings: Avoid “That car came out of nowhere!” Scan intersections before passing them. The goal is to always anticipate where vehicles will be a few seconds later so you can respond quickly.
- Brake Early: Leave extra space between you and other cars. Slow down sooner. There is no good reason to tailgate anyone (this is not debatable 😊).
- Remain calm: Don’t be aggressive. Not only will this irritate drivers around you, it is also highly dangerous. Studies have shown that aggressive driving causes more accidents rather than prevents them. Examples: brake-checking,” accelerating through yellow lights, yelling at other drivers.
It’s always good to assume that not everyone is paying attention or driving as carefully as you.
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