April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month and is a great time to take a step back and reassess our driving habits to make better choices while on the road.
Distracted driving is one of the biggest hazards while driving on the roads and comes in many different forms. These can include talking on your phone, texting, social media use, adjusting your GPS, applying make-up, or eating and drinking while driving. Anytime a driver is engaging in these activities, there is an increased risk of getting into an accident or endangering other drivers on the road.
OSHA states that work-related roadway incidents involving motorized land vehicles has increased 9.3 percent between 2021 and 2022, leading to a series high of 1,369 fatalities. Nationally, the National Safety Council (NSC) reported that there was an estimate of 44,450 deaths due to traffic accidents in 2023. This accounts for both work-related and non-work-related cases.
How to Be a Safer Driver
Depending upon how long you have been driving you’ve probably heard of numerous safety tips on how to be a safer driver. These rules and tips are still great reminders, even to experienced drivers, to keep us engaged during the sometimes-monotonous task of driving to work, school, or to a grocery store. To avoid an accident and protect yourself while driving, please consider the following safety tips:
- Wear your seatbelt! Anytime you get into the car, please ensure you and any passengers buckle up before driving off.
- Never drive impaired – If you are going out and indulging, please have a designated driver or utilize a rideshare option.
- Practice defensive driving – This is a safe driving technique of anticipating any dangerous situation or hazards on the road and enabling drivers to act accordingly. Be predictable and predict what others may do on the road.
- Watch your speed! Follow the speed limit.
- Share the Road – Watch out for pedestrians, motorcycles, and cyclists on the road and be careful of intersections with crosswalks.
- Adjust your driving for weather conditions. It takes longer to bring your vehicle to a full stop under wet conditions for example than dry conditions.
Work Zone Safety Tips
Picture this – You may be running behind on your way to work, and then suddenly traffic comes to a sudden slowdown due to highway construction. It is understandably frustrating to travel through highway work zones or construction zones, but drivers must continue to practice safe driving even in these situations.
Driving through work zones requires special attention and caution to ensure the safety of both drivers and construction workers. Work zones present various challenges that demand focus and adherence to safety measures. Let’s delve into the importance of driver safety and work zone safety tips to navigate these areas effectively.
Why is it important to pay attention in a work zone?
In 2021, 956 people died in work zones according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Many of these individuals were workers, but the majority of people killed in work zones were motorists and their passengers which included 778 fatalities in 2021. To raise awareness, this year’s National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW) will be recognized on April 15th – 19th with their theme, “Work Zones are temporary. Actions behind the wheel can last forever.”
Understanding the risks in work zones is crucial for all motorists. Work zones are areas on roadways where construction work takes place, and they pose various hazards such as uneven pavement, lane shifts, and narrowed lanes. It’s essential to stay alert while driving in work zones to prevent accidents and ensure a smooth flow of traffic. Knowing how to navigate lanes safely in a work zone can significantly reduce the risk of collisions and injuries.
What are some key safety tips for driving through work zones?
Adhering to work zone speed limits and following them diligently is critical for driver safety. Speeding in construction zones can lead to accidents and endanger both drivers and workers. Avoiding distractions while driving in work zones, such as texting or using a phone, is essential to maintain focus on the road ahead. Being aware of blind spots and potential hazards can help drivers anticipate dangers and react promptly.
How can drivers ensure the safety of themselves and construction workers in work zones?
Interactions between drivers and flaggers in work zones play a vital role in ensuring safety. Following the directions of flaggers and making safe lane changes in highway work zones can prevent accidents and traffic disruptions. Researching your route before traveling helps drivers anticipate work zones and plan their journeys accordingly to avoid delays and potential risks.
What should drivers do to prevent work zone crashes?
Staying within the posted speed limits in work zones is paramount to prevent crashes. Maintaining a safe speed allows for better control of the vehicle and reaction time to unexpected situations. Knowing how to effectively merge in work zone traffic can prevent congestion and rear-end collisions. Recognizing and avoiding common causes of work zone crashes, such as tailgating and sudden lane changes, is key to safe driving.
How can drivers ensure they reach their destinations safely while driving through work zones?
Following tips for staying safe and arriving home safely after driving through work zones is essential for all motorists. Being prepared to expect the unexpected while driving in work zones helps drivers react calmly to sudden changes in traffic patterns. Being cautious of potential rear-end collisions in work zones and keeping a safe distance from other vehicles can prevent accidents and ensure a smooth commute.
For more information on driver safety and how Bizhaven can implement driver safety into your business please reach out to your designated Safety Business Partner or contact us at www.bizhaven.com today.
