ANNISTON ARMY DEPOT, Ala. -- More than 40 percent of fatal workplace accidents are a result of traffic accidents, according to statistics shared by Dale Larry, a depot safety specialist, on The Morning Show yesterday.
"Transportation-related accidents are the number one cause of fatalities in the workplace," said Larry.
Larry highlighted the fact there are a large number of people moving around the depot at any given time, in a relatively small area.
"We all need to be a lot more careful," he said.
The depot's weekly safety and informational show devoted its 30-minute broadcast this week to the topic of driving safety.
Larry shared information on depot rules for vehicle safety and cautioned drivers to watch out for motorcycles and pedestrians.
"Put down the coffee you are drinking, put down the food you are eating, put down the phone," said Larry. "If you need to tend to one of these things, pull over and take care of it, then continue on your journey safely."
The depot requires vehicle operators to wear seat belts, avoid any use of cell phones and to obey the posted speed limits, which can drop to five miles per hour in certain areas.
Sgt. Don Ridley of the Oxford Police Department shared the importance of watching the speed of a vehicle while off-depot as well.
"Statistically, once you get over 70 miles per hour, your odds of surviving an accident decrease quite a bit," said Ridley.
He covered a variety of topics during his appearance, including distracted driving.
"Your focus when you drive, should be on driving," said Ridley. "
He and show host Lori Thomas swapped stories of activities they had witnessed fellow drivers performing while on the road, such as applying makeup and reading the newspaper.
"Since I have become a mom, I have been introduced to a world of new distractions. It is hard to avoid taking care of your child when you are driving, especially if you are the only adult in the car," said Thomas.
She shared a story about a time when she reached back to give a toy to her son, only to realize what could have happened in that moment of distraction.
"I realized I could have had a wreck and, while I was worried about keeping my son quiet, I could have killed him," said Thomas.
Last year, the state of Alabama instituted a law banning texting while driving, which includes typing information into a GPS device, according to Ridley.
Though the amount of a ticket is only $25 for a first offiense, Ridley said court fees charged by the municipality can drive the cost up quickly.
And the cost of a text message can't always be measured in the price of a ticket, as the day's safety film conveyed, the message can cost a life.
An Army safety video followed the family of a teen who lost her life due to texting while driving.
Many depot employees will travel during the upcoming Labor Day weekend and Ridley reiterated Larry's tips for driving safety, most importantly wearing safety belts.
"I have investigated quite a few fatal car crashes and I would say 95 percent of them would still be alive today if they had worn their seat belt," said Ridley. "That increases your odds of survival many times over."
He said the safest day for driving, statistically speaking is Sunday and Saturday is when the most traffic accidents occur.
There are also times of day that present hazards. During high traffic times, colloquially known as rush hour, more accidents occur.
"From 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. is the most dangerous time to drive," said Ridley.
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