We could build cars with all of the safety features found in NASCAR racers - things like roll cages and six-point seat belts - while making occupants wear helmets and head and neck restraints. While these would greatly improve the odds of surviving auto accidents, how many people would want to be trussed up in their car or truck like a race car driver' Also, the cost of engineering these safety devices into production automobiles would make them too expensive for most of us. So what can we do to lower our accident risks' Here are a few ideas.
Slow Down
Speeding is one of the leading causes of fatal Army privately owned vehicle (POV) accidents. Speeding lengthens stopping distances, makes it harder to maneuver safely and increases impact forces. And then there are the legal considerations. Slowing down is not only safer, but could also help avoid an expensive traffic ticket. However, the posted speed limit is not the only factor in determining a safe driving speed. Road and weather conditions, the amount and type of traffic and even the time of day are all factors in determining a safe driving speed. For example, if you're driving at night and can't stop within the distance illuminated by your headlights, then you're going too fast regardless the speed limit.
Don't Drink and Drive
Drinking and driving is not only dangerous, expensive and against Army regulations, it is also one of the quickest ways to end a career or ruin a life. While you probably know that a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 percent is considered legally intoxicated in all states, did you know that most states consider a driver impaired or under the influence with a BAC between .03 and .05 percent' Always have a designated driver.
Don't Drive Fatigued
One of the greatest dangers of driving while tired is a phenomenon called "microsleep." For periods ranging from a few seconds to several minutes, fatigued drivers can fail to notice or effectively respond to their environment. In some cases, drivers may fall completely asleep behind the wheel. In other cases, a driver's eyes may be wide open as they go down the road, not noticing curves or red lights. Here are some tips to avoid driving fatigued on long trips:
Aca,!Ac Avoid driving during normal sleep hours. Note that microsleeps are more likely to occur at natural rest times, such as the middle of the afternoon and the pre-dawn hours. Also, if you haven't been sleeping well, your accumulated sleep debt puts you at greater risk for microsleep.
Aca,!Ac Ensure you are completely rested before departure.
Aca,!Ac Plan at least a 15-minute rest stop every two hours.
Aca,!Ac Limit driving to 350 miles per day or no more than eight hours on the road.
So if you're driving and feel sleepy, what should you do' Roll down the windows so the fresh air will wake you up' Turn up the radio volume to keep you alert' Turn the air conditioner to high so the cool air will wake you up' The experts say none of the above. The only way to truly relieve fatigue is to stop and sleep.
Wear Seat Belts
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, wearing your seat belt cuts your chances of suffering a serious injury in an accident by 50 percent or more. As Soldiers, it's not optional for us; we are required by Army regulation to use seat belts at all times whether on or off post. Remember, we're Soldiers 24/7.
Don't Drive Distracted
We've all heard a lot in the news about states enacting laws against talking or texting on the cell phone while driving. However, there are many other forms of distracted driving that are just as deadly. Searching the GPS for a good restaurant, eating the cheeseburger you just picked up at the fast food place, trying to find your favorite CD in your console or even talking to a passenger can lead to fatal accidents. Chances are you can remember at least one close call while trying to multitask behind the wheel. It only takes one second of not paying attention for an accident to happen.
Practice Defensive Driving
If you've been out on the roads, you know how bad some drivers are. However, did you know that an estimated 1 in 20 drivers sharing the road with you is drunk' Even sober, many drivers tailgate, suddenly turn without signaling and weave in and out of traffic. These aggressive drivers make our highways extremely dangerous even when you're doing everything correctly. You can't control the actions of other drivers, but being preparing for the unexpected can lessen your odds one of ending up a statistic. Remember the old saying, "Watch out for the other guy'" Well, it's still one of the best pieces of advice you'll ever receive.
Staying safe on the road is no accident (pardon the pun); it's a matter of choosing to drive responsibly while being alert to the dangers around you. For additional information on how to "arrive alive," check out the POV/POM Toolbox located on the U.S. Army Combat Readiness/Safety Center website at https://safety.army.mil/povmotorcyclesafety/.
Social Sharing