Safety / info

Traffic accidents are the number one cause of death for people age 5 to 30. Take control of your habits on the road and drive safely following the recommendations below. 

Manage your time, visibility, and space on the road. You should always leave three to four seconds of following distance between you and the vehicle in front of you.

Reduce blind spots by adjusting your side mirrors so you can no longer see the side of your car. This will seem awkward at first, but it nearly eliminates blind spots in most vehicles allowing you to drive safely. 

Avoid internal and external distractions while operating your vehicle. Pay attention to the road in front of you and vehicles around you as opposed to the radio, other passengers, mobile devices or activity on the side of the road. 

Avoid eating or grooming while behind the wheel. Never drive drowsy. Get a full nights rest before any long trips and if you feel yourself nodding off, pull into a rest area or service station and move around to wake your body up before continuing down the road. 

Alcohol affects your judgment, reaction time, and motor skills. It is never safe to drive after consuming alcohol. Alcohol affects everyone differently and its impact can change significantly when mixed with medications. 

Consult your pharmacist for information on driving safely with all prescription and over-the-counter medications.

Adverse weather, heavy road construction, and traffic can significantly impact your route selection, expected driving time and safety. Be sure to check local road conditions before getting on the road. Each state's Department of Transportation maintains up-to-date information on current road conditions. While traveling, have a passenger call 511 on a mobile phone for updated road conditions in your area.