|
June is National Safety Month: Practicing Safety on Summer Road Trips
By: Dr. Erich Pyles, James Shaw; Columbia Southern University
As summer is underway, many of us will be traveling by car for summer vacation. Before you hit that holiday road, please consider these roadway safety tips in honor of National Safety Month to ensure you and your family travel safely.
- Plan and research: Perhaps the first step to preparing for your trip should be researching your route. Granted, most people will use their phones for navigation; however, planning ahead can help you save time by locating fueling stations, bathrooms, rest areas and possible tourist attractions along the way. Also, check for construction zones, detours and weather conditions before you embark. Make sure your vehicle is ready to handle the drive by checking wipers, tires, air conditioning, etc. You might consider having your vehicle serviced a few days before you leave to ensure it is in good condition.
- Stay alert and avoid distractions: Always keep your eyes on the road and hands on the wheel when in motion. Avoid texting or directly speaking on cell phones, eating, or engaging in other distractions while driving. Distracted driving caused more than 3,200 deaths in 2023, which accounted for about 8% of traffic fatalities that year (NHTSA).
- Wear your seat belt and make sure your passengers do, too: Most Americans understand the value of the seat belt and comply. The national use rate was more than 90% in 2024, according to the NHTSA. The agency also says that buckling up is the most effective measure drivers can do to protect themselves and others in a vehicle. Additionally, seat belts help protect you against impaired, aggressive or distracted drivers. For example, approximately 56% of those killed in nighttime accidents in 2023 were not wearing a seat belt. Some quick guidelines about seat belts:
- The lap belt and shoulder belt are secured across the pelvis and rib cage, which are better able to withstand crash forces than other parts of your body.
- Place the shoulder belt across the middle of your chest and away from your neck.
- The lap belt rests across your hips, not your stomach.
- Ensure children are in the right seat: It’s important to choose the right car seat, install it correctly, use it every time your child is in the car, and know when it’s safe to transition to another type of car seat or seat belt. The NHTSA can help you through the process with car seat recommendations based on your child’s age and size, detailed car seat installation instructions, and finding a car seat inspection station to have a certified technician check your work. Remember that the back seat is the safest place for children younger than 13.
- Obey speed limits: Speeding is a leading factor in crashes, especially in work zones and during adverse weather. Be cautious of construction zones and monitor posted speed limits. Speed limits protect and save lives. According to the United States Department of Transportation Pedestrian Safety Action Plan, only one in 10 pedestrians would likely survive an impact from a vehicle traveling at approximately 60 mph.
- Maintain safe following distances: Keeping a safe distance from the vehicle ahead of you can prevent a rearend collision, ideally a 3-to-4 second gap between your car and the one in front of you should allow you ample time to react.
- Do not drive under the influence: Never drive under the influence of alcohol or any other substance that could inhibit your ability. In 2023, roughly 12,429 people died in alcohol related traffic deaths, according to the NHTSA. Alcohol is not the only factor that can impair driving. A NHTSA study from 2019-2021 at trauma centers and medical examiner offices found that 26% of drivers who were seriously injured or killed in crashes had active THC (from marijuana) in their system.
- Keep emergency supplies in vehicle: Car trouble and accidents happen. In case of a vehicle breakdown, the National Safety Council suggests keeping a safety kit in your trunk at all times. These items include a spare tire, jack kit, jumper cables, flares, flashlight, reflective vest and triangles, first aid kit, water, blankets, tool kit, cat litter for tire traction, rain poncho and a compact battery charger.
- Practice and understand defensive driving: Be ready to react to unexpected situations and be mindful of other drivers, motorcyclists and bicyclists. The NSC offers defensive driving courses online that can help you decrease the risk of collisions and traffic violations, keep you and family safe, minimize exposure to liability risks and possibly lower insurance costs. While the NSC courses are primarily for workers and employers, the DriveSafe Online website offers courses for everyday drivers, too.
- Never drive drowsy, get some rest: The NHTSA advises drivers to ensure they get sufficient sleep before a long trip. If you take medications, be sure to understand how they may affect your ability to drive and adjust your schedule accordingly. If you find that you must drive during the peak sleepiness periods (midnight to 6 a.m. and late afternoon), be alert for signs of drowsiness, such as driving over roadway lines or rumble strips.
Dr. Erich Pyles and James Shaw are professors of occupational safety and health at Columbia Southern University.
About Columbia Southern University
As an innovator in online education, CSU was established in 1993 to provide an alternative to the traditional university experience. CSU offers online associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees such as business administration, criminal justice, fire administration, military studies and occupational safety and health. Visit ColumbiaSouthern.edu or call (877) 347-6050 to learn more.
|
