Driving Home Driving Safety Messages to Drivers

Car crashes are the leading killer of Americans between the ages of 1 and 24. More than three-quarters of the time, errors by the driver contribute to the wreck.

Even in this age of high technology and proactive engineering and safety research, the statistics seem to suggest that people are the cause of many accidents. Cars may become more comfortable and safer for the driver and the passengers, but ultimately, it is the driver who is controlling the vehicle. His or her attention to the driving process - keeping a good lookout on the road, making the right decision to brake, slow down, overtake, signal, turn, accelerate and respond to unforeseen activities on the road - is critical for a safe journey.

Something needs to be done to change the behavior of people driving vehicles on the highways or country roads. It has always been a challenge to change people's behavior towards safety. Studies show that people need to be reminded again and again in order to make them alert to hazards that can cause accidents.

Imposing speed limits may work as a deterrent for speeding. But, although speeding does reduces the time the driver needs to react to situations, can cause unexpected swerving on slippery roads and causes much greater damage on impact, again, the decision rests with the driver to speed or not to speed. The driver has to decide whether the sweetness of the carrot (arriving faster) or the pain of the stick (getting a speeding ticket) is a stronger motivator.

In fact, besides speeding, many other causes of traffic accidents have been identified. Talking on the mobile phone and using instant text messaging or SMS while driving are the latest acts that can lead to accidents. Such is the current pace of our development in technology. People using technology has to know their limits. Apparently, when the driver's attention is not focused on the road while the vehicle is moving, accidents are caused. It makes more sense to stop at the road side for making phone conversations, especially when you are angry and not your usual self. Similarly, it's better to pull over when you want to eat, drink or write some notes. The question is, does the driver want to pull over?

Sometimes, you may be driving within the speed limit and enjoying the drive and then up comes another vehicle from behind, coming so close to you that if you were to brake suddenly, there will certainly be a crash from behind. What do you do then? This is called tailgating and it is dangerous. If that happens to you, stay calm and let the other vehicle pass. Also watch out for other drivers that are behaving strangely. They may be reckless, drunk, incompetent or under distress. They won't follow the traffic rules. Try to stay away from them as they are unpredictable.

Now, if you happen to follow a car that is traveling too slowly, the same situation will arise, except that you are now the tailgater. In this case, don't follow too closely. Apply the 2-second rule. This means that at the speed you are traveling, you will have at least 2 seconds of traveling time in between the vehicles. This automatically means that if you are traveling fast, you have to keep a further distance away from the other vehicle so that you will have time to react if he stops suddenly. Double this distance when the roads are slippery. Remembering these advices can save your life and the lives of the other drivers.

You can help prevent accidents if you become proactive in your driving. Observe all the traffic rules and signs. It's a system understood by all competent drivers and are meant to be followed to ensure a smooth flow of traffic instead of chaos. Signboards are placed to warn of danger. Be aware of the danger and take the proper precautions. Be also aware that some drivers do not follow the rules. Be especially careful at intersections. Again, the traffic system can only work if the drivers follow it.

Switch on your turn signals and give ample notice to other road users before you turn. Maintain your car in tip-top condition, especially the brakes, lights, engine and tires. Maintain yourself in tip-top condition too - get sufficient rest before your journey - and don't drink alcohol. Plan your journey in advance and you will arrive at your destination safely.

All the above advices for safe driving will remain just that if they are not adopted or remembered by drivers. Drivers need to be reminded again and again before the messages can remain firmly in their minds. Someone needs to drive home the driving safety messages to drivers.

Organizing safety campaigns regularly, complete with attractive visual posters, flyers, memos, bound into books, presentations, decorative gift items like coasters, bookmarks, greeting cards will serve as continuous reminders for drivers. Many motivation experts agree that repetitions will produce results. Repeated exposures to driving safety messages will influence the mind of drivers to accept them as the right thing to do because after all, the drivers will choose their actions. They need your help to choose the correct and safe way to drive. Drive home your driving safety message.

Thomas Yoon specializes in cartoon illustrations that will make an impact on people's opinions. Subscribe to TechMarketing Ezine. More information on engineering at Marine and M & E Engineer.