Fifty-five percent of fatal car crashes occur between 3 and 7pm. The after-school hours have become one of the most dangerous times for school-aged children.
Here are four driving tips to keep kids and adults safe:
Silence the cell phone. Research from the University of Utah shows that using a cell phone while driving, whether it’s hand-held or hands-free, delays a driver’s reaction as much as having a blood alcohol concentration at the legal limit of .08%. Pull over to the side of the road when using the phone or sending a text message.
Drive undistracted. According the NHTSA, “inattentive driving” was the cause for 80% of all car accidents and 65% of near misses. Avoid eating, grooming, using a navigation system, and changing the radio station while driving. These top the list of accident-causing distractions.
Set a good example. Many teens mirror their parents’ driving habits, and research shows that parents are more likely to drive distracted. According to The Century Council, 76% of parents eat or drink while driving, 55% talk on the phone, and 22% receive a text message. In comparison, 54% of teens eat or drink, 32% talk on the phone, and 24% receive a text message. Make sure you’re setting a good example by practicing safe driving habits.
Light the way. Many kids walk, bike, or ride their boards home from after-school activities. In addition to eliminating distractions, we need to ensure we have excellent visibility while driving. Headlights dim over time – up to 20% in 2 years. Therefore, upgrade to a whiter, brighter headlight that can provide extra visibility. This can make a critical difference between an accident and avoidance.