Archive for Passenger Safety
National Drug Take Back Day
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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!
Mind Your Manners: Resisting Road Rage
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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.
New Year Brings Bad News For NJ Roads
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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
Red light Cameras…Live Footage
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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
Calling All High School Students!!!!!!!
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This is your opportunity to get involved in your school and community to make a difference. We are seeking high school students throughout New Jersey to develop teen driving safety programs and compete against others schools for a grand prize…a driving simulator for your school. Participating schools will each receive a $1,000 stipend to help implement the project and have the opportunity to win cool prizes…while maybe saving somebody’s life!
Application deadline is November 30th—don’t miss out!
> Check out the application at www.UGotBrains.com <
Last year, 19 high school competed against each other and developed amazing projects about driving issues that affect teens. Driving Simulators were awarded to two high schools-Holmdel High School (Monmouth County) and Lenape Regional High School District (Burlington County), but all schools walked away with prizes.
What never should have happened
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I’m making my New Years resolution early this year. Recent events have hit me over the head and yelled, “Reality check!” I need to be a safer driver. Of course, I always try to be safe, but the moment I hear that beautiful sound of a new text message, or my boyfriend’s specially-chosen ringtone, my efforts go out the exhaust pipe. I tell myself, I just have to glance at my phone for a split second, and I promise I won’t text back. Okay, I’m just gonna text back “On my way”— it’s such a short sentence I’ll barely have to take my eyes off the road. And before I know it, I’m drifting into the next lane. Does this sound familiar? As previous posts have made me realize, no text is so important that it’s worth a bloody, fatal car crash.
Last week I witnessed the last hours of a boy, Mike, who was just 16 years old. He was killed on a dark, quiet road when the car he was in hit a tree. Mike was one of four people who were squeezed into the back seat, so he wasn’t belted in. It’s such an innocent decision; when you squeeze an extra friend in the back, you feel so tight and snug that it seems nothing could make you budge. (I’ve been that unbelted backseat person.) It happens all the time, but most of these stories don’t end in tragedy.
When the car crashed, Mike probably flew forward and hit the middle console, rupturing internal organs. I was one of the EMTs in the ambulance with him, along with another EMT, a paramedic, and Mike’s father. Mike’s confused cries for help will haunt me forever, and I can’t begin to imagine how they will affect his dad. With IV fluids, the hospital’s trauma team, and the sound of his dad’s voice, Mike clung on to life for hours. But in the end, it was another untimely death resulting from a car accident.
Although this isn’t a story about texting, it made me realize how fragile life is, and how quickly a car can take it away. A simple decision like squeezing six people into a car with five seatbelts, or texting “be there in 10,” can become the decision that ends my life or someone else’s. If Mike’s unfair death made me see anything, it’s that nobody should have to miss their 17th birthday. I hope this teen tragedy will help more people will think twice before making a bad decision behind the wheel.
> Article about the accident: www.safetysign.com
Happy Fourth of July!!
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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.
“Don’t Worry, I’m a Good Driver.”
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How many times have you heard that before? The concept of your first time at the wheel is something so dangerous, so frightening, so nerve-wracking—that it’s beloved. How many teens don’t love the adrenaline rush of taking risks or the satisfaction in showing off to friends extreme unconcern and nonchalance in the face of danger? Besides, everyone drives—surely you alone can’t be all that terrible at it.
The problem is, everyone drives—but not everyone survives.
Equation time!
Desire to show off in front of friends + adrenaline rush + desire to overcome obstacles + desire to be seen as “cool” = forced nonchalance.
Forced nonchalance + trust in modern safety technology + knowledge that everyone drives = somewhat uneasy trust in your own driving capabilities.
That somewhat uneasy trust in your driving capabilities + a few successful rides = overconfidence.
And then, of course:
Overconfidence + under experience = K.O.
Well, perhaps you won’t actually die the first time you take your eyes of the road or click out a quick text. Perhaps you won’t even crash. Maybe not the first time, or the second time, or the third time… But then, you fall into the trap so many can’t see early enough nor stop themselves from falling into: overconfidence. If you’ve done it a few times, it really can’t be that risky, no?
It is. The more relaxed you get into bad habits, the more your chances of crashing—and possible fatalities—increase. Stay smart. Don’t drive stupid.
No Bear Zone…Dangers of Distracted Driving!
Posted by: | CommentsTurns 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!
Don’t Barrel Through Work Zones. Drive Smart.
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Barrel Bob used courtesy of the Missouri Dept. of Transportation. www.modot.org
The spring and summer of 2011 will bring road and bridge construction back to our highways.
Buckle Up! – Every trip, every time – safety belts save lives.
Stay Alert! – Dedicate your full attention to the roadway.
Follow Signs! – They’ll guide you through work zones safely.
Expect the Unexpected! – Watch for flaggers, workers and equipment.
Pay Attention! – Turn the radio down and don’t use your cellular phone.
Be Patient! – Remember workers are improving the road for future travels.
Don’t Speed!– Follow posted limits and adjust for weather conditions.
Don’t Drink and Drive! – Impairment of any kind is unacceptable.
Be Nice! – Merge as directed, don’t tailgate and don’t change lanes in a work zone