With over 6 million police-reported motor vehicle
traffic crashes in 2003 (one every 5 seconds) and an average
out-of-pocket cost of $425, accident prevention is of utmost importance.
Obey Speed Limits: Speed is the number one cause
of accidents!
Drive defensively and stay alert
Do not confront other drivers
Provide a “safety cushion” around them
If in front – get out of the way
If behind – pass if safe to do so
Pay attention to signs
Avoid driving distractions
Stay off the phone
Do not drive under the influence of alcohol or
drugs
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The most accident prone and dangerous time of the year
to drive is during the winter.
Three elements are the key to successful winter
driving:
Visibility is key to safe driving at any time.
Be vigilant when removing snow and ice from your
vehicle before you begin your drive. Be sure to scrape all outside
windows and mirrors, headlights, taillights, and the third
taillight. Other tips to ensure visibility:
Remove all inside frost
Turn lights on in snow and rain
Defrost windows to enable 360° visibility
Clean wipers
Do not use heater in re-circulation mode
Traction controls how your tires interact with
the road surface. Be sure your tires are in good shape.
The driver’s personal experience and driving
style is the third key element for safe driving at any time.
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Another dangerous condition occurs when drivers
experiences fog. Some tips for driving safely in fog include:
Turn on fog lights (if available)
Increase separation distance by 2 to 3 times
Watch lines and signage closely
Use low beams
Slow down
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Many people do not realize how important the stability
of a car’s windshield is in the event of an accident. The windshield:
Prevents rocks and debris from entering the cabin
Adds to the structural safety of the front end and
roof
Prevents secondary damage due to glass shards
because it is shatter resistant
Deflects the air bag for the passenger
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Auto manufacturers continually come up with innovative
ideas to help reduce the possibility of an accident. These items
include:
Daytime Running Lights
Center Brake Lights
Run-Flat Tires
Global Positioning Systems
Black Box
In-Bumper Sensors
Side View Mirrors With Built In Blinker
Adaptive Cruise Control
Items currently in development include:
Active Cruise Control with Follow-to-Stop Mode
Active Steering coupled with Automatic Park Assist
Automatic Emergency Brake Actuation
Automatic Park Assist
Driver Attention Monitor
Enhanced Night Vision
Integral Chassis Management
Lane Departure Warning
Sensor Fusion
Traffic Signal Indicator
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