Safety Tips Brought to you by ALCA - Protect Yourself While Driving

Safe driving means recognizing, assessing and responding to potentially dangerous situations.

Examples of mistakes made by drivers include:

• Driving over the speed limit or too fast for road conditions
• Being distracted
• Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs or when fatigued
• Improper vehicle maintenance
• Safe Work Practices

Protect Yourself—Safe driving begins with you.

• Keep both hands on the steering wheel at all times.
• Be aware of what traffic around you is doing.
• Avoid other vehicle’s blind spots.
• Obey all traffic signs and signals.
• Leave enough distance between you and the vehicle in front of you to stop safely.

Safe Speed

Speeding causes many motor vehicle crashes. Speed limits indicate the highest speed at which it is safe to drive on that road. You need to drive slower than the posted speed limit in poor weather or in dangerous road conditions. Always take into consideration the size and weight of a towed load.

Driver Distraction

When you are behind the wheel, your job as a driver requires full attention. Distractions slow your ability to respond to changing conditions. Distractions can be physical, mental, or both.

1. Physical distractions require you to take your eyes off the road or remove your hands from the steering wheel. Examples of physical distractions include: adjusting vehicle controls, cell phone calls, eating and drinking. Designate a passenger to answer the phone or two-way radio or pull off the road and stop the vehicle before you begin the conversation. Adjust controls before you begin driving.
2. Mental distractions take your focus off driving. Examples of mental distractions include conversations with passengers or on a cell phone, daydreaming, being frustrated, upset or otherwise distracted. Make an effort to clear your mind of distractions and concentrate on safe driving.

Research has proven that drivers who use cell phones in their vehicles have a higher risk of collision than drivers who do not. In addition, driving records revealed that cell phone users receive more traffic citations.