Hunter Security Holiday Safety Reminder
Safe Drivers are Something to be Thankful for this Season
Thanksgiving is one of the most heavily traveled holidays with millions of people hitting the roadways to visit family and friends. The influx of cars on the road, accompanied by the hazards often brought on by the fall season's unpredictable weather can be daunting and the California Office of Traffic Safety wants to remind Californians of a few tips to make traveling safer and ensure that this Thanksgiving holiday is a happy and less stressful one for all.
1. Buckle up. Practicing safe driving behavior this holiday begins with the fastening of a seatbelt. November is a Click It or Ticket Awareness month, and for good reason: According to the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, during the 2011 Thanksgiving four day weekend, 249 occupants were killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes nationwide. Fifty percent of those killed were not wearing seat belts.
2. Avoid distractions. With all of the excitement that accompanies traveling to visit relatives and planning a big turkey dinner, it is easy to get distracted when behind the wheel. Eighty percent of all crashes stems from driver inattention, with cell phones being the largest source of distraction. Put your phone on silent, and let people know when you'll be driving, to resist the temptation of talking to anxious family and friends on your cell phone while behind the wheel.
Are you going to visit friends or family that you haven't seen in awhile? Look at the map and review directions before you leave, or set the volume on your GPS to an adequate level so you can hear it without having to look at it.
3. Follow the rules of the road. Always follow other cars at a safe speed and distance by driving with the flow of traffic. Driving faster than the flow of traffic and weaving between lanes greatly increases the risk of a crash, as will tailgating other cars. Tailgating is distracting to other drivers and makes them nervous, causing them to shift their focus onto you and putting you both at greater risk for a crash. In addition to always using your turn signals, be mindful of your car's blind spots and of how you may be in other driver's blind spots, too!
4. Plan ahead. If you drink, don't drive. The best way to avoid getting a DUI is to not get behind the wheel when you're impaired. Plan ahead, designate a sober driver. If you are the designated driver, stay sober and be cautious when on the road. Do not let someone you know drive if they've been drinking; call a taxi for them or arrange for a sober friend to drive them home. For tasty alcohol-free recipes, visit the OTS Facebook page at www.facebook.com/CaliforniaOTS.
Following these tips can help create safer roads for everyone traveling this season. Now that's something to be thankful for. For more tips on safe driving, visit the California Office of Traffic Safety at www.ots.ca.gov/ or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
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