Safe Driving Practices
Automobile Accident Statistics
Car crashes in the United States result in high costs both monetarily and in human lives. Many of these accidents occur as a result of distracted driving with cell phone usage being a leading cause of distraction.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a leading cause of vehicle accidents. Just by being a focused driver, you've reduced the leading cause of accidents. There are four different types of distractions: 1. Visual: looking away from the roadway. 2. Auditory: hearing noises that prevent you from making the best use of your hearing or that draw your attention away from driving. 3. Biomechanical (or Manual): doing something physically that is not related to driving like reaching for something or taking your hands off the wheel. 4. Cognitive: mentally thinking about something other than driving. Remember that texting and driving combines all four of these types of distractions into one, which increases your risk and the risk of other drivers on the road of being in an accident. Never text and drive!
How to Stay Safe on the Road
Do something, learn something, and say something. Do something today to be a better driver. Learn more about what it means to stay safe, stay alert and to anticipate dangers. Say something: speak up for yourself and your friends and family.
Causes of Accidents and Risk Factors
Some of the most common types of accident causes are the driver of a vehicle, the vehicle itself, the road condition, and the weather. Inexperience, risky driving, and impaired driving also increase the chances of having an accident. While some of these causes are beyond your control, causes related to you, the driver, can and should be addressed.
Driving on the Job
There are a variety of important regulations in place when you drive for a living. Make sure that you understand and keep to these guidelines. Remember, if your employer does not follow OSHA's rules concerning employees who drive, you can report it to OSHA. No job is worth your health or your life!
