NSW Road Safety in
Australia has posted a graphic crash test dummy video that will make you want
to buckle up. The video shows two dummies wearing their safety belt side by
side with two dummies not wearing their belt. You can see that those with no
safety belt do not fare so well. This is why it is the law to wear a safety belt.
Buckle up – every trip, every time!
The Governors Highway Safety Association has released a report
that examines rear seat belt use rates, state laws and enforcement, and public
education efforts. In addition, it makes recommendations for states to help
boost rear seat belt use through programs and policies.
According to a recent report by the Insurance Institute for
Highway Safety (IIHS), the economic recovery has led to an increase in teenage
drivers getting back behind the wheel. Teen driving sharply declined about a
decade ago and there was some speculation that teens may be less interested in
driving in general. The recent uptick has been associated with teenagers traveling
to jobs and also having more money to pay for driving.
Teen drivers have crash rates three times those
of drivers age 20 and older per mile driven. According to IIHS, teen drivers
tend to overestimate their own driving abilities and, at the same time,
underestimate the dangers on the road. Crash rates for young drivers are high
largely because of their immaturity combined with driving inexperience. The
immaturity is apparent in young drivers' risky driving practices such as
speeding.
For too many in the United States, St. Patrick's Day has ended in
tragedy due to drunk drivers getting behind the wheel. Over St. Patrick's Day
from 2010 to 2014, there were a total of 266 lives lost in drunk driving
crashes. We encourage everyone to make a plan before heading out to the
festivities. And keep an eye out for pedestrians who have had too much to
drink: Walking while intoxicated can also be deadly, as lack of attention could
put you at risk of getting hit by a vehicle. So whether you’ve indulged a
little or a lot, remember: Buzzed Driving
Is Drunk Driving.
-
Designate a sober, reliable driver to get you home safely.
- Find the name of a taxi company (or two), and keep their numbers in your phone, or download the NHTSA SaferRide app.
- Before you take your first sip of green beer, leave your keys at home or give them to a friend.
- Ensure your designated driver has committed to a sober evening. If you’re the designated driver, do not drink. Your friends are relying on you, as are the people with whom you share the road.
- Enjoy non-alcoholic beverages and tweet your VIP (very important partygoer) status online using the hashtag #designateddriver.
To drink and drive is a crime – you put yourself
at risk, as well as others. The consequences are often fatal. If you see a
drunk driver on the road, contact local police at 1-800-24-DRUNK when it is
safe to do so. You could save a life.
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