You are probably already aware of the Nevada Department of Transportation (DoT) Road to Zero Campaign or the Road to Zero Fatalities project sponsored by the Arizona DoT. In these states the campaigns are sponsored by a number of state and local safety advocates. The newly launched DoT Road to Zero Campaign is a joint effort in the states of Nevada, Arizona and Utah. The project is operating on an interesting premise, raising awareness by asking local citizens how many traffic fatalities occurred in the state last year and what the goal for traffic fatalities should be this year. After they have answered the question about what number of road casualties is an “acceptable goal,” they are asked what the goal should be for their family. The answer is always the same: zero. No one wants one of their family members to become an Arizona or Nevada traffic fatality.
The Road to Zero
With that in mind here are the major issues and driving behaviors that the Road to Zero believes will cause fewer traffic fatalities.
Buckle Up.
Nearly half of those who die in car accidents are unrestrained or improperly restrained.
Don’t Drink and Drive.
It is well known that impaired driving leads to slow reaction time on the road. Keep in mind that driving impaired does not only include alcohol, also any prescription medication and/or illegal narcotics (or any combination) can impair your ability to drive safely and increase your chances of injuring yourself or someone else.
Distracted Driving.
If there is something important that you must deal with while you are driving, just pull over. Anything that takes your attention away from the road equals distracted driving. That includes changing radio stations or CD’s, texting while you drive, applying cosmetics, lighting a cigarette and/or eating. There is evidence that distracted driving is at least as dangerous as driving while intoxicated.
Aggressive Driving.
Road rage is a problem and not just for you. Even if angered by the actions of another driver, stay calm. If you retaliate by speeding, tailgating, weaving or practicing other unsafe driving practices, you could cause an accident that injures an innocent bystander, a child or yourself. It is just not worth it.
Drowsy Driving.
Falling asleep behind the wheel is a problem, especially on long, high speed drives across a barren desert! Make sure to get a good nights sleep before you get behind the wheel, schedule frequent stops and travel with a companion if possible. If you find yourself feeling sleepy, pull over for the night. Sleepy drivers cause more road fatalities than drunk drivers in the state of Arizona.
Stop on Red.
Obey all traffic signals. Intersections are a common scene for car accidents, especially in Nevada. Traffic signals malfunction, people run red lights and fail to yield and sometimes pedestrians don’t use crosswalks or wear clothing that makes it difficult to see them. Approach intersections with caution be aware of others in the vicinity. A common defensive driving practice is to pause a moment when your light turns green to prevent anyone who may run a red light from hitting you.
Lastly, Watch for Pedestrians.
Remember that pedestrians have the right of way, and yield to them, even if they are breaking the law by jaywalking, etc. Pedestrians and bicyclists/motorcyclists should also pay attention to vehicles on the road and always assume that the driver of the vehicle does not see them. Always obey pedestrian laws.
Achieving the Road to Zero
Can we achieve the goal of zero fatalities? Maybe not. But the Road to Zero campaign has a point. Which member of your family would you sacrifice to a distracted driver or someone who is driving under the influence? The answer really is zero. You cannot control what other drivers do, you can only drive as safely as you can and hope that others do the same. What do you think about the Road to Zero campaign? Contact us today to learn more.