Safer Summer and Fall Travels

Just when summer moves into full swing, the fall creeps up on our work and family activities.  In August, “to do” lists grow, and back-to-school signs hang in stores. Maybe it’s a ride to drop students for sport practices, arrive at a work site, or meet with friends. I think most of spend a large amount of time on our vehicles. 

During such a busy month, we may feel the need to “multi-task,” even in the car. If we’re driving and catching breakfast, sipping a hot coffee and hitting the turn signal, or adjusting the station on our radio with one hand while the other holds the steering wheel and a phone, we’re operating in distraction.

Though we usually just take it for granted, just pass flashing lights, a crunched car and an ambulance at the scene and you’ll be reminded of how important it is to drive safely.

For 2009, in Illinois fatal vehicle crashes took 911 lives.  Also, many years of US workplace statistics show transportation accidents in vehicles commonly send workers to the emergency department. When it comes to families, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration research teaches us that surveyed young drivers ages 18 to 20 had the highest crash or near crash experience compared to all other age groups.

Distraction overloads our nervous system, making it harder for us to think and act fast. Our mental and physical responses can be slowed down. It’s like being drunk and driving. Just as alcohol can interfere with our safe reasoning and movements, distraction can too.

Consider if a child pops out between two parked cars in a school loading zone, our vision, brain and body need to rapidly coordinate the next action on our part, like hitting the brakes. Distracted, our reactions are not as quick as they could be when our mind is focused and alert to the road. Adult and teen drivers are not equally vulnerable. Distraction is worse for teen drivers: US data from 2009 shows 16% of teen drivers involved in a fatal crash were reportedly distracted.

Here are tips to avoid distracted driving:

• Eat snacks or meals before or after travel, to avoid juggling food and hot liquids while your vehicle is moving.  This simple change will also minimize risks of choking, burns and too many “mileage calories”.
• Use the advice air travelers receive when their plane is about to leave the gate: Switch and stow your electronic devices before you take off. If your trip is long and you feel you will need to connect with work or loved ones, break off from the road, and park to safely talk or text.
•  Concentrate your thoughts. If you are the driver, at the moment before placing the key in the ignition, tell yourself, “I’m going to focus on driving now until I arrive safely.” If you are a passenger, avoid interfering with the driver’s attention. 

Enjoy safety where ever your travels take you as summer ends and fall begins!