August Roadway Safety
Multiple Safety observances are scheduled during the month of August, including “Stop on Red” week, “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” month, and “Back to School” month. What do these observances have in common? Safety on the Road.
National “Stop on Red” week, observed August 4-10, 2024 promoted by the National Coalition for Safer Roads focuses on the dangers of running red lights. According to NCSR, motorists running red lights resulted in over 1,000 deaths and 107,000 injuries in 2022. Running red lights is irresponsible and dangerous. Talk to your employees about the importance of following traffic rules, including obeying traffic signals and signs, at all times. Drive defensively, don’t jump green lights, protect yourself and your passengers by looking before proceeding through an intersection. If turning right on red, where permitted, come to a full stop and look for pedestrians and bicyclists before proceeding. Pedestrians and cyclists also need to obey traffic signals, cross at designated cross walks, and verify their path is clear before proceeding through an intersection.
August is also national “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” month, promoted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Association. According to the NHTSA, one person is killed about every 39 minutes in a drunk-driving crash, resulting in over 13,000 deaths per year. This period of the year is selected due to the increased number of drunk-driving deaths which occur in the weeks surrounding the Labor Day holiday. Before drinking, plan a safe and sober way home and never let someone who has been drinking get behind the wheel. Road construction workers and drivers need to keep an eye out for erratic driving behaviors that might indicate someone is driving impaired. If you suspect someone is driving impaired, call 911. Be aware that driving under the influence also includes drugs and other substances that cause impairment. If taking OTC or prescription medication that may make you drowsy, avoid driving or operating heavy equipment.
Finally, August is also “Back to School Month” promoted by the National Safety Council. If you have children, whether they walk, ride a bike or take the bus to school, it is important to teach them proper safety precautions to avoid being struck. Walkers should walk on the sidewalk, or walk facing traffic when no sidewalk is available. Do not walk in the middle of the traffic lane. Cross at designated crosswalks after looking all around to make sure that the path is clear. Never assume the driver can see you, make eye contact with drivers and if they are not slowing down or stopping, wait. Stay alert and do not walk distracted - don’t be a phone zombie, and don’t wear headphones. Bus riders should be reminded to stay 6 feet from the curb, wait for the bus to stop fully before getting on or off, and if it is necessary to cross in front of a bus, stay at least 10 feet away from the bus so the driver can see you and watch for opposing traffic. As a driver, watch for stopped school buses, do not pas a bus with its lights on and sign extended, and don’t tailgate, stay at least 10 feet away from a stopped bus. Obey school zone speed limits and watch for children, bicyclists, and other cars. Do not drive distracted! Put the phone down and pay attention to your surroundings at all times.
Every year thousands are killed on the road due to people running stop lights, driving impaired, or not paying attention while driving around school buses or in school zones. Be a responsible driver and pay attention to your surroundings, obey traffic signals, do not drive impaired, and practice extra caution when pedestrians, busses, and cyclists are sharing the road.
Have a safe and happy August!