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National Safety Month:
Use defensive driving practices to reduce risk on highways

In recognition of National Safety Month, the Transporter will publish a series of articles in June to promote safety. The ITD Safety Team encourages employees to put an extra focus this month into weekly safety meetings at work and to use the information at home as applicable.

ITD experienced a high number of vehicle accidents in the past 12 months and will start the safety promotion with the following tips on driving defensively.

Remember to assess the hazards every day before you start your work so that you can "plan in prevention." If you need assistance with a hazard analysis, please contact your district safety coordinator: D-1, Bill Kaufman; D-2, Mike Ahlers; D-3, Terry Meiners; D-4, Randy Norris; D-5, Evan Snow, D-6, Randy Drake, or at Headquarters Cheryl Rost, Safety & Risk Management Manager.

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More than 41,000 people nationwide lose their lives in motor vehicle crashes each year, and more than 2 million others who suffer disabling injuries, according to the National Safety Council. The triple threat of high speeds, impaired or careless driving and not using occupant restraints threatens every driver – regardless of how careful or how skilled.

Driving defensively means not only taking responsibility for yourself and your actions but also keeping an eye on "the other guy." The National Safety Council suggests the following guidelines to help reduce your risks on the road.

Don't start the engine without securing each passenger in the car, including children and pets. Safety belts save thousands of lives each year! Lock all doors.
Remember that driving too fast or too slow can increase the likelihood of collisions.
Don't kid yourself. If you plan to drink, designate a driver who won't drink. Alcohol is a factor in almost half of all fatal motor vehicle crashes.
Be alert! If you notice that a car is straddling the center line, weaving, making wide turns, stopping abruptly or responding slowly to traffic signals, the driver may be impaired.
Avoid an impaired driver by turning right at the nearest corner or exiting at the nearest exit. If it appears that an oncoming car is crossing into your lane, pull over to the roadside, sound the horn and flash your lights.
Notify the police immediately after seeing a motorist who is driving suspiciously.
Follow the rules of the road. Don't contest the "right of way" or try to race another car during a merge; be respectful of other motorists.
Don't follow too closely. Always use a "three-second following distance" or a "three-second plus following distance."
While driving, be cautious, aware and responsible.