NSC encourages drivers to buckle up during this busy holiday weekend, citing studies that show seat belts reduce the risk of crash injuries by 45 percent. NSC estimates 281 lives will be saved this Labor Day weekend because people wore safety belts, and an additional 96 lives could be saved if all people buckled up.
The American Trucking Association (ATA) America’s Road Team Captains, elite professional truck drivers with millions of accident-free miles, also offered advice on how to navigate through highway traffic and arrive at your destination safely. Their tips include:
- Prepare your vehicle for long distance travel. Check your wipers and fluids. Have your radiator and cooling system serviced. Simple maintenance can prevent many of the problems that strand motorists on the side of the road.
- Plan ahead. Before you get on a highway, know your exit by name and number, and watch the signs as you near the off-ramp. Drivers making unexpected lane changes to exit often cause accidents.
- Don’t cut in front of large trucks. Remember that trucks are heavier and take longer to make a complete stop, so avoid cutting quickly in front of them.
- Use a map or GPS. Surprisingly, few motorists plan their routes, even when driving through unfamiliar areas. Knowing the road is essential for safe driving – it allows you to anticipate lane changes and avoid a panicked search for directions.
- Leave early and avoid risks. Leave early and allow for delays in your travel schedule. Know your limitations; don’t drive when tired, upset or physically ill.
- Be aware of trucks’ blind spots. When sharing the road with large trucks, be aware of their blind spots. If you can’t see the truck driver in his or her mirrors, then the truck driver can’t see you.
“Around Labor Day Weekend, traffic increases as motorists seek that final summer trip before the kids go back to school and the weather turns cool,” said America’s Road Team Captain Greg Nauertz. “Additional motorists make safe driving habits all the more important. Nothing beats planning, preparation and patience.”