On April 28th, a national event which emphasizes the importance of properly disposing of unused & expired over the counter & prescription drugs will take place. An emerging trend is that of teenagers attaining their drugs my rummaging through their grandparents’ medicine closets. This leads to harmful mix of alcohol with high doses or prescription drugs, which may lead to alcohol poisoning, multiple injuries, or even a fatality. The DEA has partnered with NCADD and local Police Departments in order to promote the importance of safely discarding all unwanted drugs.
At the age of 16, most teenagers feel as if they’re invincible and it’s a difficult to relay the concept that taking drugs which were not specifically prescribed for them, or taking a higher dose of an over the counter medication, can be fatal, especially if paired with driving. Teens know that drinking and driving is dangerous, but do they know much about drugged driving?????? I don’t think so….. Check this website for more information about the dangers of taking drugs and driving http://www.stopdruggeddriving.org/.
Another extreme but unfortunate effect of taking these drugs is an addiction. For example, pain medications are very easily to get a hold of; more unfortunate is that it is even easier to become addicted to them.
Through this national event, teenagers around the country can be saved from possible harmful altercations in the future. Another emphasis of this event is to express concern for our environment. A home owner’s immediate thought is to flush expired medication down the toilet, which not only contaminates the water, but also leads to multiple problems with animals residing in the sea. This is a great cause which has shown extensive results in the past. Please take the time to dispose of your unused and/or expired medications at a medication drop-off location near you. Please visit http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_disposal/takeback/index.html for more information and a drop-off location near you!
If you were standing in line at the supermarket, and the person in front of you didn’t notice the line moved forward, you probably wouldn’t give him the finger and start yelling obscenities. You might say something like, “Excuse me.” Most full-grown adults have been taught how to handle problems without swearing and spitting. So if we don’t handle supermarket drama with four-letter words and threats of death, why do we handle road drama this way?
Whether we’ve been the one receiving it, or the one dishing it out, we’ve all experienced road rage. There’s no arguing that car horns are important. They alert other drivers of danger: “Stop! You’re backing up into my car!” “Careful, you’re coming into my lane!” Horns can stop some very bad accidents before they happen. Unfortunately, they’re used just as often to express our annoyance. “You just cut me off, you idiot!” “Green means go, mister!” Is it necessary, in these situations, to lean on the car horn for 3, 5, 10 seconds? Is there a benefit to cursing your fellow Turnpiker and then insulting his mother? Bad manners only escalate anger, and often result in retaliation and more aggression.
It’s pretty clear why road drama turns good people into meanies. 1. Roads are dangerous, so the consequences of making a mistake are serious and make people upset. 2. Unlike on a supermarket line, you and the guy you’re yelling at are separated by glass, metal, and asphalt. Why not take out all your frustrations from work, school, home, and relationships on this driver in front of you? The anonymity provided by a car makes it easy to behave in ways you normally wouldn’t, when face-to-face.
Next time you’re ready to call someone a name you wouldn’t want your grandmother to hear, try and realize that it’s not really you talking, but an engrained culture of bad roadside manner. Then realize that you’re better than that.
After years of improving crash statistics, 2011 saw an increase in the number of people killed on New Jersey’s roadways. According to State Police, seatbelt usage and distracted driving are two factors which contribute to crashes and fatalities on our roadways. Pedestrian fatalities continue to be an issue in New Jersey. Certain areas across the state have higher rates for fatalities. Read more and check out how safe your community is. Click here
There has been an ongoing debate about whether red light cameras improve safety on the roads or are simply in place to bring money to municipalities.
A company who places red light cameras throughout the county, has just released footage on You Tube from crashes and near misses of cars going through intersections which have cameras. Whether you agree with the use of these cameras or not–the footage is fascinating…and scary to watch. See below and tell us what you think.
http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2011/12/nj_intersection_crashes_are_po.html
A beautiful Saturday in August turned tragic for teens in Atlantic County who had just finished playing a football game for their high school team. Details of the fatal crash are still not known, however what we do know is that the families, friends and community will never be the same. See link for more information http://usat.ly/rg2qI4.
As parents and teenagers we often think that something like this will not happen to us or our friends, but this is yet another reminder that life can change in an instant. Traffic crashes are the leading cause of death and disability for teens. Parents, learn tips to keep your teen safe at www.NJteenDriving.com. Teens-see what other kids have to say at www.UGotBrains.com.
More people traveling and more parties to attend means more risk for making unsafe decisions. Don’t let your teens become a statistic over the holiday!
In 2009, more than 3,000 youth died as a result of a motor vehicle crash and 350,000 were injured.
(Source: NHTSA)
Parents, what are your teens doing for the Fourth of July?
Be sure to:
- Educate your teens about the safety of using seat belts
- Re-enforce GDL Laws
- Monitor your teens behavior and ask questions
- Encourage your teens to have a voice when they feel they are in unsafe situations
Know the Graduated driver licesning laws (GDL’s):
Know the laws and reinforce them with your teens that following the laws could save their lives.
Seat belt facts:
Check out statistics and information.
Parent-teen Contracts:
Develop a positive relationship with your teen by talking about the drivnig rules and having them commit by signing a contract. The contracts will give you the opportunity set the standards and your teens will understand that driving is a privilege that should be earned.
Originally appeared on Under Your Influence.
Sunny skies and long summer days are back. But with the return of this season also comes the return of avid motorcyclists to New Jersey roadways.
As we can all attest, riders are everywhere. In this state alone, there are about 300,000. And, this number could increase as gas prices continue to power up motorcycle popularity.
With riding season in full swing, we need to be extra vigilant of each other. In fact, New Jersey is urging all of us (both motorcyclists and four-wheeled drivers!) to safely share the road.
Last year, 67 people were involved in fatal motorcycle crashes in New Jersey. Since May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, it’s a good time to be aware of other vehicles around us.
For riders, it’s important to use every means possible to ensure a safe, injury-free riding season. It doesn’t hurt to be reminded to wear helmets, gloves, and protective clothing to minimize injury… or worse, prevent death. It’s also a good idea to ride in groups with friends whenever possible. As we know, there is safety in numbers.
Are you a new rider? Has it been a while since you’ve ridden a motorcycle? Consider taking a “refresher” course through the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. There are other resources and tools worth checking out before you get back on your bike. A little education and some friendly reminders could go a long way.
Motorists have responsibilities, too. We must get in the habit of looking out for motorcycles. Though they’re harder to see than other vehicles, try to anticipate their maneuvers. Riders often change lane positions to respond to road conditions, weather or other factors. Also, allow ample space when following a motorcycle – give them a full car length as you would any other vehicle.
So, before you head out on the road, be sure to do your part to make our roads safe. Together, we can make driving safer for everyone.
See Also:
Turns out NJ drivers have another distraction to contend with while driving…bears!
The “Exit 8” Bear, a black bear that was spotted in a tree near the exit, had to be tranquilized and removed because drivers on the turnpike were distracted by the sight.
Distracted driving is trend that poses a growing danger. Nearly 5,500 people died in 2009 in crashes involving a distracted driver and almost 450,000 were injured. Drivers under the age of 20 make up the age group with the greatest proportion of distracted drivers. Do you want to help put an end to this type of behavior? Here’s your chance:
What is Distracted Driving?
There are three main types of distraction:
- Visual – taking your eyes off the road
- Manual – taking your hands off the wheel
- Cognitive – taking your mind off what you’re doing
Add bear gazing to the following list of driving distractions to avoid:
- Tuning a radio, CD player or ipod
- Applying makeup or personal grooming
- Reading
- Tending to children or pets
- Eating and drinking
- Programming a GPS
- Using a cell phone
Your primary responsibility as a driver is to operate your vehicle safely! Common sense and personal responsibility are a major part of the solution. It’s up to each and every person to make sure they “Put it Down” and pay attention to the road. The risks are simply too high!
There are almost 400,000 people who are licensed to drive motorcycles in the State of New Jersey and 5.5 million people who can legally drive cars. Add those two numbers together and you have the makings for some very busy roadways.
And as the days get warmer, more motorcycle riders will no doubt be out on the roadways. I know it is sometimes difficult for motorists to see motorcyclists, but simple precautions can be taken to avoid any mishaps. Before switching lanes, remember to double check your side and rearview mirrors to ensure that everything is clear. And before making a turn at an intersection, give an extra look to each side just to make sure nothing is coming your way.
There’s no denying motorcycle riders are more vulnerable in their vehicle of choice than those who drive cars or trucks. It’s simply the design of the machinery. But that’s where the difference stops because people who ride motorcycles are no different than you and me. They are our fathers, our mothers, our sons and our daughters.
May is national Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month and I would like to remind all motorists who travel our roadways to be alert to the nearly 160,000 motorcycles that are registered in New Jersey. So this month, and every day, let’s all safely share the road with motorcycles.
For more information about sharing the road with motorcycles and about the NJ Motor Vehicle Commission’s Motorcycle Safety Education Program, please visit our website at njridesafe.org.
Raymond P. Martinez, Chief Administrator, New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission
The Car Care Council recommends 10 basic maintenance procedures to keep your car operating at its best:
• Check the oil, filters and fluids. Oil should be changed per the owner’s manual recommended intervals. Your car’s filters need regular inspection and replacement, too.
• Inspect hoses at each oil change and have them replaced when leaking, brittle, cracked, rusted, swollen or restricted.
• Check the brake system every year and have the brake linings, rotors and drums inspected at each oil change.
• Check that the battery connection is clean, tight and corrosion-free. If the battery is three years old or more, it should be tested and replaced if necessary.
• Inspect the exhaust system for leaks, damage and broken supports or hangers if there is an unusual noise. Exhaust leaks can be dangerous and must be corrected without delay.
• Schedule a tuneup that will help the engine deliver the best balance of power and fuel economy and produce the lowest level of emissions.
• Check your vehicle’s heating, ventilating and air conditioning system as proper heating and cooling performance is critical for interior comfort and for safety reasons, such as defrosting.
• Inspect the steering and suspension system annually, including shock absorbers and struts, and chassis parts, such as ball joints, tie-rod ends and other related components.
• Check the pressure of all tires, including the spare, at least once a month. Check the tread for uneven or irregular wear and cuts and bruises along the sidewalls. Have your car’s alignment checked at least annually to reduce tire wear and improve fuel economy and handling.
• Test exterior and interior lights and have bulbs that are not working checked immediately. Replace windshield wiper blades every six months or when cracked, cut, torn, streaking or chattering for optimum wiping performance and safety.
To help you drive smart and save money, visit www.carcare.org and check out the free digital Car Care Guide.
Rich White
Executive Director
Car Care Council
Bethesda, Md.
As we can all attest, riders are everywhere. In this state alone, there are about 300,000. And, this number could increase as gas prices continue to power up motorcycle popularity.
