According to ASF, Automobile Safety Foundation, 3000 people die daily because of car accidents! The automobile is the number one cause of death of young drivers. www.carsafe.org

Some of the most obvious tips that we keep hearing again and again are that cell phones are a distraction, no texting, no distraction changing radio channels etc. etc.

We are all guilty to some extent of this behavior at one time or another and each time we hear of some serious accident occurring because of these distractions we promise ourselves to refrain from doing such acts the next time we drive.

Let’s go a little deeper and reflect on what really happens when you are driving while talking on the cell phone. You get caught up in the conversation; something the wife is reminding you of, a crisis at the office… You try to keep your mind on the road; your vision gets narrower and narrower. You stop looking in the rear view mirror. You notice the car on your left, but you totally ignore the bus that is getting too close to you on the right. The conversation ends… and you suddenly look around and you see the traffic all around you.

This scenario alone is a good motivation to remind yourself not to use your cell phone while driving. Most of the accidents happen in split seconds and they could have easily been avoided if you were watching what was happening around you.

Here are three helpful tips that make a difference:

If you are travelling with a car full of people, then remind passengers that the driver cannot talk and look at them.
ASF recommends that if you have a companion sitting in the front with you, then make him the co-pilot, as two people concentrating on the road aid safety.
Order blind side mirrors. Parents should do this for their kid’s car. According to Automobile Foundation, in traffic, drivers cannot merge onto a highway or change lanes with standard equipped side view mirrors. Help protect your family and employees. ASF recommends that all drivers or company fleets purchase blind spot mirror. Also, it is important to get used to using these mirrors and properly adjust them.

Remember that driving is a serious business and things can change in a minute.

The case against Alcohol –

Alcoholics have an exceptionally high rate of auto accidents, even when sober! DMV has very strict requirements listing the number of drinks consumed in a certain period of time. But, studies show that even after a gap of twelve hours from the time you consumed a drink, driving ability can be impaired.

This makes it even more important for those who don’t drink to look out for trouble on the road from drunk drivers. The ability to react speedily, promptly and accurately is severely impaired in an alcoholic.

Always insist that your newly licensed adult child to attend a local class on the perils of driving under the influence. Show them some videos and visit MADD – Mothers against drunk drivers available at madd.org. Drunk driving will impact one in three of us.

What to do if you see a drunk driver – Here are some of the tips from MADD:

First, stay as far away from the other vehicle as possible.

Second, do not try to pass the vehicle or signal the driver to pull over. Doing so could result in collision.

Third, take notice of the license plate number of the driver along with details of the vehicle including make, model and color. Make sure you don’t compromise your own safety trying to get this information.

Finally, pull over and call 911.

Food can kill –

Dr. H. J Roberts in one of the most comprehensive studies of highway accidents concluded that a significant source of many unexplainable accidents can be attributed to the fact that “millions of American drivers are subject to pathological drowsiness and hypoglycemia due to functional hyperinsulinism.” He estimates there may be more than ten million drivers like that on the road.

Today, we eat out in restaurants most of the time in fast food places where sugar is loaded in all the food items. Then there is ice cream, rows of desserts, soft drinks, candy. Some people can handle it, but those who can’t, end up dozing at the wheels causing multi car accidents. Be very careful and aware how you feel after a meal. If you are feeling drowsy then pull off the road and take a nap and make note of the things you ate and avoid them in the future. This can save not only your life but the lives of others.

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