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Numbers Speak for Themselves

The report states that “88% of young millennials engaged in at least one risky behavior behind the wheel in the past 30 days…” These risky behaviors include texting while driving, running red lights, and speeding. This generation is highly connected digitally, resulting in more distracted drivers. In this era of “smart technology,” in-car infotainment systems allow drivers to use connected devices while driving. Several other dangerous driving behaviors also factor into this study.

Survey Findings

The survey of 2,511 drivers from August 25 – September 6 reported the following findings:

• Traffic deaths increased by 7% to 35,092 in 2015. This is the largest single-year increase in nearly 50 years.
• Millennials acknowledged sending texts or emails while driving.
• Nearly half of Millennials admitted to running red lights when they could have stopped safely.
• Almost 12% of Millennials thought it was acceptable to drive 10 mph over the posted speed limit in a school zone.
• 2.5% of drivers admitted driving within an hour of using alcohol or marijuana.

David Yang, AAA Foundation’s executive director, says, “Alarmingly, Millennial Drivers ages 19 to 24 believe their dangerous behavior is acceptable.” He continues, “It’s critical these drivers understand the potentially deadly consequences of engaging in these behaviors. They must change their behavior and attitudes to reverse the growing number of fatalities on U.S. roads.” This report serves as a shock to some but a warning to all to practice safer driving habits.

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As if there aren’t enough hazards on the road already, a very common hazard is drowsy driving. Drowsy driving is a dangerous combination of driving and fatigue. Generally, driving drunk and driving with fatigue are equally dangerous. AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety estimates that 21 percent of FATAL automobile accidents involve a drowsy driver. Evidently, many drivers have even admitted to falling asleep at the wheel at least once in their lifetime. That’s a scary thought! Here we have compiled some tips and important info when concerned with drowsy driving and how to avoid it.

The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety estimates that a tired driver contributes to:

• 6% of all crashes in which a vehicle was towed from the scene
• 7% of crashes in which a person received treatment for injuries sustained in the crash
• 13% of crashes in which a person was hospitalized

In total, their estimates suggest that a drowsy driver is involved in 328,000 crashes annually.

How do I know if I’m too tired to drive? The National Sleep Foundation gives us some warning signs.

• Difficulty focusing, frequent blinking, or heavy eyelids
• Daydreaming, or disconnected thoughts
• Trouble remembering the last few miles of your drive, missing turns, exits or traffic signs
• Consistent yawning
• Drifting, tailgating, or rubbing the shoulder strip.
• Feeling restless or irritable

Furthermore, if you ever feel sleepy while driving a vehicle, then you understand the many ways a driver will try to stay awake. Generally, some of the top ways a person tries to stay awake at the wheel are drinking a caffeinated beverage, switching drivers, opening car windows, listening to loud music, turning up the A/C, eating, smoking, pulling over to stretch or sleep. But after all, two of these options are proven to be effective in combatting drowsy driving–switching drivers and pulling over to nap.

How do I avoid driving tired?

1. Plan. If you know you’ll be out on the road, take a short nap ahead of time.
2. Avoid alcoholic beverages.
3. Drive with a friend. If you have a partner, you can switch drivers at the first sign of drowsiness.
4. Stay off the road between midnight and 6a.mI. If this is not possible, then be as vigilant as possible while you’re on the road. Watch for warning signs that you’re feeling drowsy, such as drifting across lanes or hitting rumble strips, and keep an eye on other drivers for the same behaviors.
5. Drink coffee or caffeine to stay alert, but not as a substitute for sleep. One thing to keep in mind is that coffee and other caffeinated beverages provide a temporary energy boost. After the effects of the caffeine have worn off, the feelings of drowsiness may return.

Additionally, make sure you get eight hours of sleep before a long trip. Also, you can make regularly stops at the 100 mile mark or every two hours. This will help you stay fresh and alert on the road.

In conclusion, drowsy driving is extremely dangerous and we would like you to take every precaution to stay safe!

If you or someone you know has been in an accident as a result of a drowsy driver, contact us now and find out how we can help get you back on the road safely. We are here for you!

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Winter driving conditions mean a certain amount of preparation on your part. Here are 4 things you absolutely want to do to prepare your vehicle and yourself for winter driving.

1. Prep your coolant

Any major temperature change means that you need to check your coolant levels and system. Normal coolant to water ratio is 50/50, but for winter add a little more coolant for a 60/40 ratio. Also, check your radiator and hoses for leaks. Vast temp changes affect the integrity of your hoses, and you don’t want to run out of coolant and get stuck on the side of the road in the middle of winter!

2. Check your tires

This is an obvious maintenance task for winter driving conditions. You want to check your tire pressure and traction. For snowy roads, you want to be sure to have at the very least 5/32” of traction. If you see a lot of snow and ice, prep your vehicle with snow tires. Finally, check the PSI regularly. 10 degrees of temp change can cause your tire pressure to gain or lose 1 pound of pressure.

3. Check your brakes

This is also an obvious winter maintenance task, but extremely important. Good brakes can literally save your life. Check your brake fluid first to make sure you don’t have any leaks. If the fluid is dark in color, you absolutely need a professional to flush and replace your brake fluid. If you hearing scraping or sqealing when you brake, it’s time for new pads. In fact, you’re over due! Don’t hesitate to get new brakes immediately.

4. Stock your car

Finally, when preparing for winter driving you’ll want to stock up. You never know what can happen on the road and there are ways to prepare yourself for the unexpected. Keep a few extra blankets, water, non-perishable food items, a flashlight, extra batteries, jumper cables and an ice scraper in your vehicle at all times. This is the very least amount of preparedness you will need. Check our Vehicle Emergency Kit blog for a full list.

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Winter driving presents unique challenges, so it’s crucial to take extra precautions to ensure your safety on the road. Follow these tips to prepare both yourself and your vehicle for icy and snowy conditions.

Assess Road Conditions and Drive Cautiously

Driving in snowy or icy conditions requires extra attention. Understand how your vehicle responds to ice and snow. If you notice cars swerving ahead, slow down and consider taking an alternate route. On highways or any road, double the usual distance between your vehicle and the one in front. Avoid speeding and stick to the right lane to minimize lane changes. This approach will enhance your control and reduce the risk of accidents.

Prep Your Vehicle for Winter Weather

Check Tires
Cold temperatures can reduce tire pressure, so regularly check and maintain the correct air levels. Make it a habit to inspect your tires each time you fuel up. Properly inflated tires are essential for traction and safety in winter conditions.

Inspect Windshield Wipers
Worn wiper blades can impair visibility. If your wipers leave streaks or fail to clear large areas, replace them. Investing in new blades, usually costing around $10, can significantly improve your visibility during snow and rain.

Test the Defroster
The defroster is crucial for maintaining visibility. Test it to ensure it’s working efficiently. If it’s not functioning properly, visit a repair shop. A well-working defroster is vital for safe driving in winter months.

Check Fluid Levels
Regularly monitor all your vehicle’s fluid levels. In winter, you’ll likely use more windshield washer fluid due to road salt and grime. Ensure your fluids are topped off to maintain vehicle performance and safety.

By following these steps, you can better prepare for winter driving and reduce the risks associated with harsh weather conditions. Stay safe on the roads this winter

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Braking. It seems so simple right? Not exactly. With a motorcycle, braking is a bit more strategic than pushing a pedal.These 4 motorcycle braking safety tips can help you handle braking when you’re forced to stop immediately:

1. Do not grab the handle and pull with all of your body weight.

This is the most natural reaction to anyone without motorcycle driving experience. Even with an automatic breaking system, pulling that brake lever with maximum force could send you flying. Pump the breaks, much like you would do in a car. Pull hard, but not abruptly. Use progression to avoid your tires locking and losing control.

2. Use both front and rear brakes.

Your front breaks may be doing most of the work, but the rear brakes are just as important. If you use only the front brakes, your rear tire will lift off of the ground and eject you forward. However, depending primarily on the rear brakes will not let you stop fast enough.
If you can hear your tires screeching against the pavement, you are braking too hard and have the potential to lose control of your bike.

3. Your weight has a lot to do with controlling your motorcycle.

Weight distribution is a huge contributing factor to breaking. You can counteract the forward ejection by straightening and locking your arms to keep you and the bike steady and connected.

4. If there’s an object in your path, use the correct breaking technique as you counter-steer.

Your automatic breaking system can assist here, and you can change your trajectory.

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