Driven To Be Safe

Big, heavy, and fast moving, vehicles can hurt you or others if not given the proper respect. So, when you're driving, you should only be doing two things: Driving and thinking about driving.

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DID YOU KNOW?


Nearly 6,700 people across the U.S. are injured in car crashes every day.

Americans drive more than 3 trillion miles annually.

Distracted driving is the #1 cause of crashes



Whether you drive for a living or just spend a lot of time on the road, check out the safety materials from the Ohio Department of Public Safety. Also, you may want to download their Safer Ohio App that enables you to request emergency or roadside help and monitor traffic conditions. It's available through the Apple App Store or Google Play.

If you're responsible for the safety of employees where you work, you may also like some of our driving-related Safety Talks.
Click on the boxes for tips.

Don't drive distracted

Distracted driving is the number one cause of crashes. We hear a lot about texting and driving, but eating, shaving, putting on makeup, and even sleeping are types of distracted driving. If you do something in the kitchen, bedroom or bathroom, don't do it behind the wheel of a car.

Slow down

Speeding is one of the top three contributors to car crashes. And not only does it reduce the time you have to react, it increases the severity of any resulting injuries.

Drive sober

Drinking impairs your judgement and slows your reaction time. If you're going to drink, don't drive.

Drinking isn't the only thing that impairs your ability to drive. In addition to recreational drugs, many over-the-counter and prescription drugs can make you drowsy or dizzy. Never get behind the wheel on a new medication before you know how it affects you.

Leave early

Worrying about being late distracts you and increases the likelihood you'll speed.

Stay awake

Losing focus, yawning, heavy eyelids, drifting out of your lane - these are all signs that you may be too tired to drive. Avoid falling asleep:

  • Nap before you leave
  • Take a friend - It's easier to stay awake when your talking. Plus you can take a turns at the wheel
  • If you're still sleepy, find a safe place to pull over and take a short nap

Drive defensively

Just because you're a good driver doesn’t mean everyone else is. Follow the four As:

  • Anticipate. Remain alert at all times to what's going on around you and in the distance ahead.
  • Adjust. The constantly changing nature of driving requires nonstop attention to detail and adjustment.
  • Assume Nothing. Don't take anything for granted when you're behind the wheel.
  • Allow No Distractions. Stay focused on driving safely and arriving at your destination without incident.

Visual distractions
- Eyes off the road

Internal distractions include:

  • Reading maps/notes/newspaper
  • Applying make-up/shaving
  • Adjusting radio, iPod, CD
  • Programming GPS
  • Other occupants in the vehicle

External distractions include:

  • Snow/ice on windows/windshield
  • Sun glare
  • Billboards and signs
  • Pedestrians
  • Animals
  • Accidents or other events

Manual distractions
- Hands off the wheel

  • Programming a GPS
  • Talking on a cell phone
  • Selecting cell phone numbers
  • Texting/emailing/gaming
  • Adjusting climate controls/radio/seat/mirrors/steering wheel/safety belt/putting on or removing clothing
  • Reaching for objects
  • Smoking
  • Eating or drinking

Mental distractions
- Mind not on task

  • Inattention/daydreaming
  • Fatigue/drowsiness
  • Stress from work, home, family, finances, etc.
  • Physical and emotional conditions (anger, anxiety, grief)

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