Monthly Archives: October 2020

Drive Safely: Your Life Depends On It

At least 41,000 highway fatalities have been recorded in the United States every year since 1993. Deaths by a car accident are usually caused by negligence, carelessness, and other factors such as drunk driving. Two famous people who met their untimely death by car accident include American Hollywood icon James Dean and Princess Diana.

Deaths on the road

James Dean was driving west on Highway 466 near Cholame, California. A 1950 Ford Tudor, moved from the opposite direction, attempted to take the fork onto the Highway 466 route (later called California State Route 46) and crossed into James Deans’ lane without seeing the other car. The two vehicles collided head-on. Dean was taken rushed to a hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.

In 1997, Princess Diana died after a high-speed car accident in the Pon d’Alma road tunnel in Paris and Dodi Al-Fayed. The car they were riding on was trying to elude paparazzi. Their black Mercedes-Benz crashed into the thirteenth pillar of the tunnel. Princess Diana and Dodi Al-Fayed died of injuries sustained during the terrible car accident.

TIPS TO PREVENT CAR ACCIDENTS

If any good came out of these tragedies, more people became aware of the dangers of irresponsible driving. The news of James Dean and Princess Diana’s deaths came as a warning to people who were reckless with their driving. It also served as a caution to those who were careful in the way they drive because they were educated that even the most detailed drivers can get into accidents because of irresponsible motorists.

Even you are a careful driver, there are circumstances beyond your control. However, taking precautionary measures is a big help to avoid car accidents. Here are these tips on driving more safely:

  1. DON’T USE THE CELL PHONE WHILE DRIVING – Haven’t you heard from the news all because of this handy dandy gadget? You find yourself more than what you bargained for. Is that call that important? Can’t it wait? Indeed, you are bound to be distracted. It’s even more dangerous when you are using the expressway.
  2. DO A CAR CHECK REGULARLY- As much as possible, any car requires regular maintenance. Check your brakes, tires, mirrors, lights, and even the windshield wiper.
  3. SCAN AHEAD- Fix your eyes and scan for cars up to head.
  4. BE CONSIDERATE- When you slow down, put your flashers on to alert drivers behind you when they see you slowing down.
  5. DON’T ACT LIKE A RACE CAR DRIVER- If you act like “Mel Gibson” as the road warrior Mad Max, chances are you’re courting disaster
  6. KNOW YOUR CAR’S LIMITATIONS- Not all cars are exactly alike. The minivan doesn’t go so fast like an exotic sports car. There are performance limits for every vehicle. Know its capabilities.
  7. KEEP YOUR CAR IN GOOD SHAPE- Have a maintenance schedule.
  8. NIGHTTIME IS NOT BEST TIME- If you need to travel at a very long distance—nighttime is when your hazards usually happen. You are already in a state of mental and physical fatigue. Your line of vision might already decrease. Drive so carefully at this witching hour and keep your headlights on.
  9. WHEN YOU DRINK DON’T DRIVE AND VICE VERSA- It is a big mortal sin if you do…being drunk while driving is like you’re planning to have a date with “Death” so soon.
  10. KEEP YOUR CAR NEAT AND TIDY- A messy car is another one-way ticket to a road accident. Why? If you leave some objects around and it slides or rolls under your brake pedal, your attention was taken off the road, and what happens next, you lose control of the car.

Those tips might not be foolproof against road accidents, but nevertheless, prevention is better than none. A vehicle is one invention; man can’t live without. But if it is not used wisely, it might cause the one precious thing most people value here on earth: LIFE!

Perilous Driving: A Consider Florida’s Most Hazardous Highways

The sunshine state has one of the highest possible numbers of licensed drivers in the country. With its beaches, vibrant nightlife, and Disney World, the Sunlight State likewise stands apart as a leading tourist destination. What does that mean for Florida freeways? It implies they’re several of the most hazardous in the country.

Many research studies of National Freeway Web Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) information have identified several of Florida’s primary highways and interstates as some of America’s deadliest.

Check out this infographic and also Florida Car Crash Diagram from Brooks Law Group, a Florida Accident law firm, and also plan for a safe trip!

Brooks Law Group
123 1st St N, Winter Haven, FL 33881, United States
https://www.brookslawgroup.com/winter-haven
+18632519407
27FF+F4 Winter Haven, Florida, United States
https://goo.gl/maps/7amDKmm37JZcn1wM8

Holiday Accidents: Where, When, and Who

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), dangerous crashes predominantly occur on weekends. Still, some of the most dangerous drinking holidays across the United States include Thanksgiving Day and Memorial Day. They account for about 33% of alcohol-related fatalities, compared to 25% on other days.


In 2018, 29% of all traffic fatalities involved a drunk driver with a BAC of 0.08 or higher across the United States. While on Thanksgiving Day, one of the most dangerous drinking holidays, about 35% of all crashes included a drunk driver between 2011 and 2015. A survey using NHTSA data reveals the following motor vehicle deaths:
Independence Day – 397
Memorial Day – 389
Thanksgiving – 439
Labor Day – 379
Christmas – 318
New Year’s Day – 279


Why Do Crashes Spike During the Holidays?
As the holidays approach, there is a celebratory spirit in the air as people run errands and shop for gifts. There are more cars on the road, and increased traffic can lead to more accidents. The weather also contributes to accidents during the winter holidays, especially when it is snowy, foggy, or rainy.
Unfortunately, many drivers also engage in holiday drinking at this time. This can result in more crashes and alcohol-fueled fatalities on the road.


Most Dangerous Cities and States Across the United States Over the Holidays
Listed below are states and cities where most fatal crashes occur annually:
STATES
⦁ Texas – 3642
⦁ California – 3563
⦁ Florida – 3133
⦁ Georgia – 1504
⦁ North Carolina – 1437
⦁ Pennsylvania – 1190
⦁ Ohio – 1068
⦁ Tennessee – 1041
⦁ South Carolina – 1037
⦁ Illinois – 1031
CITIES
⦁ Los Angeles – 628
⦁ Phoenix – 466
⦁ Houston – 366
⦁ Chicago – 245
⦁ Las Vegas – 206
⦁ Detroit – 153
⦁ Kansas City – 133
⦁ Jacksonville – 131
⦁ Atlanta – 119
⦁ Charlotte – 106


How to Make the Roads Safer During the Holidays
Making roads safer requires taking precautionary measures like:
⦁ Engaging in responsible holiday drinking and using a designated driver
⦁ Relying on an alternative form of transportation in bad weather (i.e. taking a taxi or bus).
⦁ Avoiding alcoholic drinks if a designated driver can’t be found
⦁ Taking breaks along the way to reduce stress and fatigue
⦁ Carrying enough snacks on the road trip to suppress the urge to buy alcohol
⦁ Getting enough rest before a road trip
⦁ Ensuring that the car is in good condition before embarking on a road trip
⦁ Traveling during off-peak times
⦁ Starting early to avoid the holiday rush


Safety During Drinking Holidays
Traveling by car is the most popular, convenient, and affordable mode of transportation for many Americans. Thus, a surge in traffic is inevitable during the holidays. The increased impaired driving-related crashes during the holidays are more than likely due to more people being on the road and people attending holiday events or parties where alcohol is being served.
However, remember that no amount of alcohol is safe when it comes to drinking and driving.
At Draeger Interlock, we are committed to making the roads safer by providing reliable ignition interlock devices. For more safe driving and responsible drinking tips, click here to access our blog.