Just Drive VA Just Drive VA n This

Just Drive VA

Just Drive VA n This Common. Health program will address 3 main points Distracted Driving n Impaired Driving n Defensive Driving n n Stay safe when driving for work, errands or pleasure

Distracted Driving n A Virginia Tech study reported that 80% of all crashes and 65% of all near crashed involved a distracted driver!

What is Distracted Driving? n n Distracted Driving is defined as anything that takes your eyes or mind off of the task of driving. What do you think are some distracting behaviors? n n n n n Changing the radio station Reaching for an object Driving drowsy Looking at an external object Reading Dialing a phone Texting Applying makeup Other Ideas? ? ?

Distracted Driving Can we all agree that this is distracted driving?

Distracted Driving But, how many of us check and take that one important phone call? Or look down for a moment to insert a CD or change the station?

Distracted Driving Vision is a very important sense for safe driving. n Drivers using hands-free phones have a tendency to “look at” but not “see” objects. n Handheld phones decrease what eyes process, and take one hand off the steering wheel! n

Distracted Driving n n n Estimates indicate that drivers using cell phones look but fail to see up to 50% of the information in their driving environment. Drivers are looking out the windshield, but they do not process everything. Make your vehicle a “No Phone Zone. ”

Driving for Work n n n The most dangerous part of the day for any employee is the time they spend in their vehicle. Crashes are the #1 cause of workplace death. Decide to JUST DRIVE! Eliminate distractions when driving to and from the office. Take great care when driving for any work related events.

Impaired Driving n n n Alcohol or drug impairment. Anytime we drive when sleepy, angry or distressed. Impaired driving delays reaction or braking time and can cause drivers to speed without realizing it!

Drowsy Driving National Sleep Foundation’s poll n n 60% of adult drivers say they have driven a vehicle while feeling drowsy. More than 1/3 have actually fallen asleep at the wheel!

Drowsy Driving National Sleep Foundation’s poll cont… n n 4% admit they have had an accident or near accident because they dozed off or were too tired to drive. Shift workers whose sleep is disrupted by working at night or working long or irregular hours have delayed reaction times and risk crashes.

Drowsy Driving n n n Rest when not working, plan stops when driving. Before you push on for “just another fifty miles”, keep in mind that sleepy drivers can be just as dangerous as drunken ones. Stay alert; it can save your life!

Drinking and Driving n n Plan ahead for any special occasion, celebration or night out. If you plan to drink when you leave home, have an alternative way home sorted out in advance: Program a taxi company's phone number into your cell phone. n Choose a designated sober driver. n Sleep on a friend's sofa. n Call someone who can come and get you. See if your area offers a safe ride program. n Don't accept a ride from someone else who is impaired. n

Defensive Driving n n Safe Practices for Motor Vehicle Operations defines defensive driving as “driving to save lives, time, and money, in spite of the conditions around you and the actions of others. ” Watching out for the other guy is one of the best things you can do when you are behind the steering wheel of a vehicle.

Defensive Driving n n n Regular seat belt use is the single most effective way to protect people and reduce fatalities in motor vehicle crashes. Young children use seat belts more if the driver uses a seat belt. Almost 40% of children riding with unbelted drivers were themselves unrestrained. Remember to set a safe example. Make Buckling Up Automatic for Everyone!

Virginia Law n Seat belts save lives! And remember…. Virginia state law requires that: Adults in the front seat be properly restrained n Children under the age of 18 in all seating positions be properly restrained (as of July 2010) n Children under the age of 8 be secured in the appropriate child restraint device (like a booster seat or car seat) n

Defensive Driving n n n n Check Mirrors (and adjust – if needed). How many of us drive unfamiliar cars for work? Adjusting mirrors is a must when in a strange car! Attach blind spot mirrors to each of your side mirrors in your personal car. Never hang around in the blind spot of another car or truck. If you can’t see a truck’s mirrors they can’t see you! Leave a safety cushion of space between cars when stopped. Don’t tailgate when driving. Always use your signals (Failing to signal is a violation in Virginia).

Defensive Driving n n n Never assume that other drivers will follow the rules of the road. Be alert and cautious. Always yield to pedestrians, bicyclists and motorcyclists. When buying your next vehicle, consider some of these lifesaving technologies: n n n Side-impact air bags Electronic stability control Blind-zone warning Adaptive headlights Go to www. intellichoice. com for more information.

Enjoy Virginia Driving n Virginia Byways http: //www. virginiadot. org/programs/prog-byways-sites. asp n Virginia Main Street Districts http: //www. dhcd. virginia. gov/Community. Development. Revitalization/VMS_Promotional_Publications_Brochures. htm n The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel http: //www. cbbt. com/ n Jamestown-Scotland Ferry http: //www. virginiadot. org/travel/ferry-jamestown. asp

Enjoy Virginia Driving n Virginia Beach http: //www. vbfun. com/visitors/ n Nelson Scenic Loop www. nelsonscenicloop. com n Covered Bridges of VA http: //www. virginiadot. org/info/faq-covbridgemap. asp

Questions? Thank you for participating! Visit the Common. Health website at www. commonhealth. virginia. gov for more resources.