Motor Vehicles2

More than 40,000 people lose their lives in motor vehicle crashes each year. A number of these are job related accidents - in fact, motor vehicle accidents are a leading cause of work fatalities. The greatest risk each of us has of becoming a statistic however, is the drive to and from the job.

The National Safety Council recommends that all passengers be secured before you ever leave your driveway, and many states now require that the operator and any front seat passengers wear seat belts. Children are required to be secured in approved child restraint systems. Protect yourself and your loved ones - buckle up! Another major safety habit to cultivate whenever you hit the road is to drive defensively! Be alert; watch for turning vehicles, lane changes and oncoming traffic. Observe and obey posted signs along the roadway. Maintain a safe distance between yourself and the car ahead of you. Follow the rules of the road and be a safe, courteous driver. And remember, driving too fast for conditions greatly increases the likelihood of collisions.

Don't tailgate! Rear end collisions are the most frequent type of highway accident. If it’s raining, turn on your headlights when you turn on your wipers. Prior to leaving on a trip make sure you have adequate fuel, clean the windshield (inside and outside), and check your tire pressure. Be sure you have a jack, tire iron and spare tire. You never know when you may get a flat tire. It never hurts to have a small first aid kit and a flashlight in your vehicle - 'just in case.'

A rather recent safety concern is the increased use of cellular phones by the motorists. There are presently in excess of 11 million cellular customers nationwide and the number increases daily. Use your cellular phone in the safest manner possible. Many phones have a hands-free feature that enables you to speak to your party and still keep both hands on the wheel, an excellent safety feature. In the event of an emergency, dial 911 or the operator for help!

Concentrate on safety whenever you get behind the wheel. Be a responsible, defensive driver, wear your seat belt and be sure that all your passengers buckle up as well. Safe driving habits are important on and off the job. The life you save may be your own!

Appoint a designated driver before the party starts. "Friends don't let friends drive drunk!'