By Candace Lightner,
President
We Save Lives

Actually, there are probably more than 10 but let’s focus on these:

• Always wear a seat belt. Why wouldn’t you?  Seat belts are the #1 lifesaving piece of equipment built into vehicles today. They save lives! Make sure that those riding in the car including young children are properly installed and secured by their belts. I will never start driving until everyone is buckled up and I will not ride in cars with those who do not use seatbelts.

• Always travel within the speed limit and if the road conditions are hazardous, then go slower. I watch people speed by me during torrential rainfalls and say a quick prayer that they will arrive alive. Speed is involved in approximately 30% of all traffic crashes resulting in fatal and serious injuries. I read somewhere that at the most speeding may only save about 5minutes on a trip. Do we really need to risk our lives and that of others for a lousy 5 minutes? How about getting in the habit of leaving the house 5 minutes earlier? The U.S. saw a 20% jump in motor vehicle death rates in the first six months of 2020, despite the quarantine according to the National Safety Council. They credit higher speeds for most of these fatalities.

• Set-up your infotainment systems before leaving on a trip. Technology is great and every time we turn around manufacturers are adding more to our vehicles. Be sure to set-up your GPS, radio stations or other techy gadgets before you begin driving. That goes for your mobile device too.  Turn on your “Do Not Disturb While Driving” setting to avoid using your phone when driving.

• Make sure your car is in tip top shape for traveling. There is nothing worse nor more dangerous than a breakdown on the road or a flat tire. I know people who were killed by a drunk driver while waiting for Triple A. Included in this tip is another. If there is a breakdown, get away from the car. It is much safer.

• NEVER and I mean NEVER drive when you are impaired by alcohol or other drugs. Most people know when they have had too much to drink and if you don’t, then always have a “sober” designated driver or a taxi cab ready. Much easier and cheaper than paying fines, lawyers and increased insurance rates if you are caught. It is also safer then risking your life and someone else’s because you decided to drive when you knew you shouldn’t.

• Do you take prescription meds, smoke pot? Have you heard of a synergistic effect? It’s when two or more drugs taken together create a more potent and dangerous effect. If you are taking prescription meds, be sure to read and understand the possible side effects that taking them individually or together can create. If you’re are thinking of rolling a fat one, just stay home! Marijuana is impairing, no matter what the pot enthusiasts say. People do not smoke to feel exactly the same as they did before they lit up or why bother?

• Stay a safe distance behind the car in front of you no matter how many people cut in. The general rule is now a 3-second gap. During inclement weather, allow more time to safely stop for the conditions in which you’re driving. The most important thing is that YOU DO NOT TAILGATE. You risk multiple car pileups among other dangerous scenarios, so stay as far back as you can. Of course, if you are using your mobile device, it doesn’t matter how far you are behind that car, you are courting disaster.

• Pull into a safe place if you are tired. Late night?  Not enough sleep?  Drowsy driving is just as dangerous as drunk, drugged and distracted driving. The car is not your bedroom and you will be a much better driver if you keep them separate.

• Driving while Angry. Did someone pull in front of you or do something else equally annoying? If they really made you mad and all you can think of is revenge, the best thing to do is pull over, take a deep breath and count to ten or twenty if you need to. Let it go. Think of something pleasant like that glass of wine when you get home. Or the hug you will receive from a loved one. Driving isn’t therapy and you shouldn’t take out your anger on your driving or the other driver.

• Respect your passengers! They are your responsibility when you are the driver and they should be treated with respect. Always drive safe, sober, focused and alert. They will feel the benefits. If they are children they will learn from your example.

If you just focus on your driving, keep your hands on the wheel, keep your eyes on the road, and practice all these tips you are a “Good Driver” and have the right to criticize others who aren’t.  Because I care . . .