Page 5 - October 2021 Track N Times

SAFETY FOCUS

Vehicle Incident Prevention By Jeff Anderson, Field Safety Specialist

Vehicle Incident Prevention is the focus for

the WORD during October

As we enter the winter months it is vital that we rethink our driving habits and prepare ourselves for foul weather
driving. I would first like to begin with incorporating “Know Before You Go” into to your driving plans. Take the
time to look at the weather patterns or conditions in the area you will be traveling to. Plan for road closures due to
bad weather and have an alternate route ready to safely get you to your destination. One thing that is always over-
looked is vehicle preparedness. It is important for your safety and that of others that you take the time to inspect
your vehicle before leaving.
Make sure that your vehicle is prepared for the winter months. Keep your fluids topped off and ensure that you
have the proper windshield wiper fluid designated for winter months. If you are working in an area of heavy snow
fall, make sure that your tires are rated for snow driving and that you maintain the proper tire pressure. Make sure
your vehicle has the necessary items in case you have a roadside emergency.

It is up to all of us to make sure we arrive safely to our destinations. One way is to decrease your speed and in-
crease your stopping distance. Slow down and softly brake for curves or tight turns. During heavy rains avoid hydro-
planing and following too closely. Maintain a 5 to 6 second gap between you and the car in front of you to avoid
skidding into them. Plan on leaving earlier to avoid driving in a rush and increasing the likelihood of an accident.

Now that we have discussed some of the items needed for driving safely in inclement weather let us go over the
2020 statistics for accidents in winter conditions.
There are 156,432 crashes annually due to icy roads and poor conditions. More than 1,441 people are killed in car
crashes on snowy or icy roads every year. Over 116,889 people get injured in car accidents on snowy or icy roads
every year. Every year, about 76,000 people are injured in traffic accidents during snowfall. About 74% of accidental
fatalities that occur during winter happen in cars. According to winter driving accident statistics, traffic accidents on
snowy, slushy, or icy roads account for 31% of weather-related traffic accidents.

As you can see those numbers and stats are immense. Make it your goal to Arrive Alive…always have your mind
on driving and your eyes on the road. Safety is NO Accident.

Page 3 OCTOBER 2021