With millions of drivers on the road daily, we all need to share the road and do so safely.
A recent report from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA) shows that more than 38,800 lives were lost in traffic crashes in 2020, the highest number of fatalities since 2007. Speeding was a factor in 29 percent of motor vehicle crash deaths, also contributing to a quarter of crash deaths over the past decade.
Here are a few tips for professional drivers to keep in mind when sharing the road with other vehicles:
- Always wear your seatbelt. It is your last line of defense.
- Prepare for the drive. Adjust your mirrors and instrument panel lighting, and program the GPS before you hit the road.
- Obey speed limits and traffic signs. Excessive speed reduces your ability to avoid a crash, extends your vehicles stopping distance and increases the severity of a crash if it occurs. Slow down in bad weather and in construction zones.
- Avoid distractions like eating, drinking, adjusting the radio or other activities that may cause you to take your eyes off the road.
- Be aware of other drivers. Never forget that far too many of the drivers sharing the road with you might be distracted.
- Never text or email while driving. Set your phone to the do not disturb setting or put it on silent before leaving. Not only is texting or using your phone while operating a large vehicle extremely dangerous, but it also comes with strict fines if caught.
- Don’t provoke or allow yourself to be provoked. If another driver is acting aggressive, ignore them.
- Pick a lane and stay in it for as long as possible. Lane changes increase the risk of a crash. When you do need to change lanes, always use a signal well ahead of the action.
- Don’t tailgate. Following too closely reduces visibility of the road ahead and impacts your reaction time.
- Allow plenty of time to reach your destination so you will be less likely to speed.
- Never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol and be cautious of other drivers that may be alcohol or drug impaired.
- Get enough sleep. Sleep deprivation and fatigue causes lapses in attention, slowed awareness and impaired judgement.
- Don’t multi-task behind the wheel. Glancing away from the road for more than one second can be very dangerous. At 55 miles per hour, during a three-second glance away from the road, your vehicle will move nearly 250 feet down the road without your attention; that’s almost the length of a football field.
For more information on how to safely share the roads, visit www.operationsafedriver.org.