Motor Vehicle Safety

What can I do to decrease my risk of being involved in a MVC?

• Avoid left turns at busy intersections, especially if there is no turn arrow or signal
  
• Maintain a safe distance between vehicles
  
• Always drive the posted speed limit
  • Acknowledge and drive according to suggested speeds for dangerous intersections, curves and turns
• When on extended road trips, plan your route, take frequent breaks, stop in safe, well-lit locations and take into
  consideration adequate sleep and nutritional needs.
  
• Minimize distractions
  • Avoid talking on cell phone, eating, drinking or driving with your mind on something else other than the road
• Avoid “no zone” areas with semi-trucks and buses
  • These zones are areas where a large vehicle may not be able to see you
• Drive according to the weather conditions
  • Be extra cautious during inclement weather and “slow down”

Be aware of pedestrians

• Remember pedestrians may not always see you, so see them
• High risk areas include busy intersections, urban areas, shopping centers, crosswalks, neighborhoods and schools
• Always yield to pedestrians
• Never go around or pass a stopped car at an intersection—they may be stopped for a crossing pedestrian
• When making a right turn on red, watch for crossing pedestrians

What else can I do?

Know your own limitations

• Do not drive farther distances from home than you are comfortable with
• Drive on roadways you are comfortable with (city vs. highway)
• Drive only if you are comfortable with driving conditions.
  • snow, rain, daylight, overcast, night time, windy
  • check weather reports prior to driving or leaving on extended trip

Practice good health strategies

• Do not drink and drive
• Use medications as directed and know side effects that may impair your driving ability
• Get plenty of sleep, exercise and nutrition
• Have routing health, vision and hearing exams
  • Report any new problems to your Physician

If you should have car trouble, here are a few tips:

• Dial 911 for any emergency.
• Avoid exiting vehicle until help arrives if possible, if you must exit, exit through passenger side of vehicle.
• Pull your vehicle onto the shoulder of the road, as far off the roadway as possible.
• Turn your hazard lights on.
• Never put yourself between a flat tire and traffic.
• Use caution with strangers.
• Call or signal for help immediately.
• Keep safety equipment and emergency kit in vehicle.
• Keep vehicle doors locked at all times.

Remember…at times when it is difficult for you to drive, family, friends, public transportation, taxi cabs, etc. can be a valuable resource.

Want to learn more?

Find out how to schedule a free, informative presentation at your facility.