Highways New Year Driving Safety Tips According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, human error causes 95% of all motor vehicle crashes.
By: Lee Nagano
• Obey all traffic signs and signals. • It is illegal to enter the crosswalk when the red hand begins to flash.
While that statistic is alarming, the good news is that we have the ability to save lives by making good choices in all forms of transportation we use. Here’s a few ideas for New Year’s resolutions to keep yourself, loved ones and others in the community safe: Impaired Driving: • Make a plan for a safe way home before you head out for the night. If you plan on drinking, leave your car key at home. Designate a non-drinking friend to be your driver, call a taxi or use public transportation. • If someone you know is drinking, do not let the person get behind the wheel. • If you see a drunk driver, call the police when it is safe to do so. It is your business, and it could save a life. Safety Tips for Pedestrians: • As you are crossing in front of stopped cars, make eye contact with the drivers of oncoming cars to be sure they see you and are slowing to stop before crossing in front of them. • Remain vigilant while crossing, continue to look for vehicles that may not see you. • Always walk on the sidewalk. If there is no sidewalk, walk FACING traffic. • Dress to be seen. At night wear special reflective material on your clothing, shoes or hat.
Safety Tips for Drivers: • Always be vigilant. Look for pedestrian movement in your direction. • Be aware that pedestrians can be hidden from view by stopped vehicles on multi-lane roads. • When driving between dusk and dawn, watch for pedestrians in dark clothing. • Make sure you are fit to drive. • Don’t be tempted to use you cell phone while driving. Not only is it illegal, but very dangerous and could mean the difference between life and death. • Obey traffic signs and traffic control devices. • Use your turn signals. • Do not tailgate. Seat Belts/Child Restraint: • Always wear your seat belt. It can increase your chances of surviving a motor vehicle crash by as much as 45 percent. • Hawaii’s Universal Seat Belt law requires all occupants to wear a seat belt, even in the back seat. • Research shows that properly used child safety seats can reduce deaths by as much as 71 percent for infants and 54 percent for toddlers. • In Hawaii, children under the age of 4 are required to ride in a child safety seat; children 4 through 7 years of age must ride in a child passenger restraint or booster seat. Violators are required to appear in court, and if convicted,
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See DRIVING SAFETY TIPS page 8
