A recent study by the National Safety Council shows that Indiana’s traffic deaths are up 23 percent. One possible explanation may be that the steep drop in gas prices earlier this year led to more drivers on the roads. While there is no clear cause for this increase, the truth is, more than 800 people lose their lives on Hoosier roadways each year, and the majority of these accidents are a result of driver error. That means that through education and increased awareness of safe driving practices, we have the potential to save lives.
The Indiana Department of Transportation has identified five keys to crash prevention. First and foremost, it is extremely important –and it’s the law–that everyone in the vehicle is properly restrained. In fact, wearing a seatbelt has been shown to reduce your chances of being killed in a car crash by 60 percent.
Once you are in the car and buckled in, put aside any potential distractions, such as your cell phone, food or beverages. Fatigue is also a hindrance to staying alert, so try to maintain a cool temperature in your vehicle and take frequent breaks if driving long distances.
Another key to safety on our roadways is driving defensively, rather than aggressively. We’ve all been in a situation where someone around us is speeding, following too closely or generally operating their vehicle in an unsafe manner. The best thing to do in this situation is not to challenge them, or attempt to hold your own. Your safety and well-being is more important than pride.
We’ve also all been in high-stress situations and become frustrated with other drivers. However, I’ve found that the best thing to do is think before reacting. In particular, think about how many times you have unintentionally made the same driving mistake?
While it may seem obvious, one should never drive impaired, which not only puts your life at risk, but threatens the lives of others as well. This does not mean that you can’t go out and enjoy a couple glasses of wine with dinner, but if you do, make sure you have a designated driver lined up, or are able to take advantage of mass transit systems or cab services. You can also do your part by immediately reporting any drivers who exhibit signs of impairment, such as signaling that is inconsistent with driving actions and inability to stay in their lane.
Last but not least, remember that as a motor vehicle operator, you are also sharing the road with commercial trucks, motorcycles, school buses, bicyclists and pedestrians. When it comes to speed, braking and turning, remember that each type of vehicle handles these movements differently, so please pay special attention and try to anticipate hazards before they occur.
The above safe driving practices become even more important when navigating a work zone, where configurations can change without notice and driver frustrations are often at their highest. This may seem like a lot to remember, but all of the tips that I have just presented can be summed up in two major categories: one, always wear your seatbelt, and two, always pay attention to our surroundings.
As the chairman of the Veterans Affairs and Public Safety Committee, I take the safety of all Hoosiers very seriously. I hope that you will remember these tips the next time you and your family get behind the wheel. Together, by making simple adjustments to our driving routine and looking out for one another, we can make a big difference in lowering the sad statistics.
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