The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently released estimates indicating that 31,785 people died in traffic crashes between January and September 2022. In 2020, four leading behavioral causes of collisions resulting in fatalities were driving under the influence (11,654), speeding (11,258), not using a seatbelt (10,893), and distracted driving (3,142).
While MSD has workplace policies that addresses all four leading behavioral causes of collisions, we believe safety doesn’t stop at the end of the workday and want to share the following tips for “wreck-less” driving.
Speeding triples the odds of crashing and results in one-third of motor vehicle fatalities. You can avoid the need for speed by planning your route ahead of time, leaving early and allowing plenty of time to arrive on-time, adjusting speed for road and weather conditions, and obeying traffic laws.
Do not drive if you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Be sure to check prescriptions for warnings about operating a motor vehicle. If you must drive somewhere, opt for a designated driver or Uber instead.
It’s estimated that by wearing a seatbelt 14,000 lives are saved per year and the risk of injury and death is reduced by approximately 50%. Use a seatbelt at all times and require passengers to do so.
Nearly 1 in 10 fatal accidents are caused by distracted driving. Do not use electronic devices while driving. Avoid getting lost in thought or caught up in a conversation with a passenger. Keep your focus on the road.
Sending or reading a text message takes your eyes off the road for about 5 seconds, that’s long enough to travel the entire length of a football field while driving at 55 mph. Stop and take a moment to think about what can happen in that amount of time.
The risk for behavioral caused collisions can be reduced by recognizing our own contributing behaviors and making adjustments to eliminate them.
Safety Always!
Vicki Dix
Safety Coordinator
Sources: NHTSA & NSC
