Driving Safety

We all want to travel safely, whether we are drivers or pedestrians, so have a look at the following tips provided by the US DOT Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration campaign, "Share the Road Safely".

Car Drivers

• Avoid cutting off other cars at all costs; you may just be cutting your life short by causing emergency braking situations for yourself and others on the road.
• Always wear your seat belt — no matter what!
• Always pay attention to your blind spots and "No Zones" near trucks and buses.
• Keep your attention on the road and your driving. Avoid distractions like beauty routines, cell phones, and kids. If something really needs your attention, pull over.
• Stay out of the way of aggressive drivers, and don't drive aggressively yourself. Things like exceeding the speed limit and dodging traffic by constantly switching lanes can be very dangerous and lead to serious accidents.
• Watch out for squeeze incidents. When trucks and other large vehicles try to take a wide right turn, avoid being too close so that you don't get caught against the curb.
• Never, ever combine alcohol and driving!

If you are the victim of a hit-and-run, write down the following:

• The make, model, and color of the offender's vehicle.
• Anything you could get from the offending vehicle's license plate.
• Any physical characteristics of the driver.
• Anything else that may be relevant.

Motorcycle Drivers

• Look out for "No Zones." Do not drive in the blind spot or "No Zone" of a truck.
• Drive with a helmet on at all times!
• Drive defensively! Since motorcycles are so small, there will be little protection in a crash. Therefore, be extra careful by paying attention to your surroundings and what other vehicles are doing.
• Inspect yourself and your motorcycle. Do a safety inspection of your bike and yourself, checking for proper workings of the bike and proper safety gear.
• Be aware of your speed!

Bus and Truck Drivers

• Make sure you are taking care of yourself. Everything and everyone in a bus or truck depends on the driver, so make sure you stay healthy by sleeping enough, eating well, and exercising.
• Keep up with vehicle maintenance.
• Keep checking your "No Zone." These are the areas around your vehicle where it is dangerous for other vehicles to be driving. Always be watching to see if other vehicles are in your "No Zone."
• Lower your speed in work zones.
• Keep safe distances between yourself and the vehicle in front of you.
• Always have your seat belt on for safety.
• Drive defensively at all times and get out of the way of aggressive drivers.
• Be helpful. Help drivers who are stranded, call traffic safety agencies to report crashes, and call in any other unsafe road conditions that may lead to accidents.

Pedestrians

• Pay attention to walkways. Stay on the sidewalks and crosswalks whenever you can. Obey the walk signals and keep a safe distance from the curb when waiting to cross.
• Pay attention to "No Zones." You should know of blind spots near trucks, buses, and cars when you are walking past them.
• Watch vehicles to make sure they stop. You should always be watching to make sure that vehicles are going to stop for you. Sometimes cars and trucks just don't see you or are distracted. Even if they do see you, there's a chance they may not be able to stop. The brakes on big trucks have been known to stick from time to time.
• Make sure you are easily visible. Put on something bright or reflective, especially at night.
• Keep an eye out for trucks with a wide load. These trucks will likely have limited visibility and ability to maneuver.

Bicyclists

• Never ride without a helmet!
• Always check around you to see what other traffic is doing. You should never assume that everyone on the road sees you.
• Make sure your brakes are working and that you are always prepared for a sudden stop.
• Bikes must ride with traffic, which is on the right side of the road.
• Watch out for "No Zones." You should never attempt to get between a truck or bus; you could easily get crushed. Know that big trucks have blind spots from many angles, including the front, back, and sides. This makes it especially difficult for them to see you.