driving safety Archives

The Importance of Driving Safely in School Zones

Now that school is back in session for most children in the Phoenix metropolitan area, motorists will need to start paying close attention to the roadways for school zones. School zones are meant to keep children safe as they arrive at and leave school. However, there are times when these zones are a risk for both pedestrians and motorists.

Every school year, over 55 million children across the United States head back to school. According to AAA, around 13 percent of those children are usually walking or biking to their classes. Others may pass through the school zone after exiting a bus or caregiver’s vehicle. The chaos of the busy school zone may be dangerous to children. Nancy Pullen-Seufert, associate director of the National Center for Safe Routes to School, says, “There’s a lot of activity that happens between arrival time and dismissal time that can be distracting, and that’s the piece that can make it risky for young pedestrians.” It would also seem that motorists, even those who are dropping off their most precious cargo, need a refresher course on the rules of school zone driving.

A study found that two-thirds of drivers exceed the posted speed limit during the 30-minute period before and after school. Automated photo enforcement measures discovered that 78 percent of drivers sped in school zones, and 82 percent of drivers passed a school bus illegally. A report by Safe Kids Worldwide shows that motorists often violate stop sign rules at intersections in school zones and residential neighborhoods, with 45 percent failing to come to a complete stop, 37 percent rolling through the stop sign, and seven percent failing to slow down. According to AAA, the most dangerous time for the school zone and beyond is after school from 3-4 p.m. It is during this window that more school-aged pedestrians are killed by motorists than any other time of day.

The problem with motorists speeding in school zones had gotten so bad, some municipalities- including several in the Phoenix metropolitan area- have installed speed cameras to catch and ticket those who violate the speed limit in school zones. Kate Carr, CEO of Safe Kids Worldwide states, “In places where that’s happened, there’s been a decrease in injuries and fatalities associated with kids who are walking in school zones.”

According to the most recent year for which data is available from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the number of traffic fatalities among pedestrians age 14 and younger went down from 391 fatalities in 2002 to 230 in 2011. The downward trend is good news, however, in 2011, an estimated 11,000 pedestrians age 14 and younger were injured in traffic accidents overall.

Motorists need to keep in mind, that it takes children a while to learn to cross the street safely. They don’t always cross where or when they should, and are not completely aware of the dangers in doing this. Information provided by the NHTSA shows that in 2011 nearly 79 percent of pedestrian fatalities among children ages 14 and younger occurred at non-intersection locations, such as between parked cars or crossing the road in the middle. Motorists should approach a school zone with the mindset that it is most likely that most of the people walking there are unaware of the laws and are unfamiliar with the operation of an automobile. James Solomon, program development and training director of defensive driving courses for the National Safety Council stresses, “Kids don’t know how long it takes to stop a car. None of that is in their thinking.”

Between 2007 and 2012, there was a 25 percent increase in pedestrian injuries for teens between the ages of 16 and 19, according to a report by Safe Kids Worldwide. This increase of injuries in this age range is likely related to the increased use of smartphones, mp3 players, and iPods stealing their focus away from the hazards of the world around them. Concerned with the upward trend of pedestrian injuries in this age range, Safe Kids conducted an observational study of 34,000 middle school and high school students walking in school zones. The study found that one in five high school students and one in eight middle school kids were, in fact, distracted by a mobile device. For this reason, motorists need to not only watch the roads closely in the school zones of younger children but those of tweens and teens as well. Carr, of Safe Kids Worldwide says, “We know that distraction is a big issue for drivers, but there’s been less focus on the issue of distraction for pedestrians. We need to teach our kids that a mobile device shouldn’t be used when crossing the street.”

Speed cameras, crosswalks, stop signs, flashing lights, and crossing guards can only offer so much protection for school children. Motorists need to be aware of their surroundings and follow the driving laws in the school zone.

Safe Driving Tips for School Zones

Always expect the unexpected, especially around young children. James Solomon of the National Safety Council says, “Children run and play. They can come from anywhere.” Remain alert.

Stop properly. When you come to a stop sign or crosswalk be sure to come to a complete stop. Remember, it is illegal to pass through a stationary stop sign or one that is held by a crossing guard. In school zones, any charges or fines you may face are usually doubled. In school zones, motorists should fully stop at the stop sign, before they reach the crosswalk area. Never block a crosswalk as it can force kids to walk around your vehicle, which could put them in danger. Solomon advises that drivers,” wait a bit before driving through after the crossing guard clears the intersection. There are always one or two children lagging behind that are now going to run through the crosswalk to catch up with the rest of the group.”

Observe the speed limit. State law, specifically Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) 28-797, provides a uniform application of 15 mph school zone traffic control for elementary and middle schools (kindergarten through eighth grades) at authorized school crossings meeting certain minimum criteria. The limit near most high schools is posted no higher than 25 mph. Nancy Pullen-Seufert of the National Center for Safe Routes to School says, “The faster you are going, the more likely you are to injure a pedestrian and to injure them more seriously.” According to the NHTSA, five percent of pedestrians hit by a vehicle at 20 mph suffer a fatality. The fatality number increases to 45 percent when hit by a vehicle going 30 mph, and to 80 percent for a pedestrian hit by a vehicle traveling at 40 mph. The NHTSA goes on to state that driving faster also means longer stopping distances. For example, when you are traveling 20 mph it takes you around 69 feet to come to a complete stop. At 30 mph, it takes you 123 feet to stop, nearly double the distance.

Stay off electronic devices. Distractions, like talking on your cell phone, have been proven to reduce a driver’s reaction time. Looking away from the road for only two seconds can double your chances of crashing. Texting while driving has been proven to be as dangerous as driving drunk. Kate Carr of Safe Kids Worldwide says, “The ability to multi-task is a myth. If you are going to drive your child to school, drive your child to school. Leave the cell phone in a place where you aren’t going to be distracted.” Remain vigilant and able to navigate the school zone completely prepared to handle any situation that may arise.

Make eye contact with pedestrians. When you see a pedestrian that looks like they may want to cross the road, make eye contact with them so that you know you have been seen. “If you haven’t made eye contact with them, assume that they haven’t seen you and that they are just going to keep on going,” says Carr.

Don’t pass school buses. In all 50 states, it is illegal to pass a school bus on undivided roadways when it is stopped to load or unload children. The National Safety Council states that most children who die in a bus-related accident are pedestrians between the ages of four and seven who are either hit by the bus or motorists passing the school bus illegally. Laws will vary from state to state regarding passing a school bus on a divided roadway when the bus is traveling in the opposite direction. No matter what, all vehicles behind the bus must stop. Today, many school buses are equipped with rear cameras to catch motorists who illegally pass them.

Watch for bus warning lights. When there are yellow flashing lights on the bus that means that the bus is preparing to stop and let children on or off, and you need to give it room to do so. When the light is red it means that children are currently loading or unloading. At no time when the lights are red or yellow should you attempt to pass the bus.

Give the buses plenty of space for loading and unloading. Kids are at most risk of being hit by a car with in the 10 feet around the bus.

Drop kids off at the school, not across the street. Pullen-Seufert of the National Center for Safe Routes to School says, “Oftentimes parents get very tempted to drop their child off across the street from the school and tell their child to just run across the street. And we really, really don’t want drivers to do that. Any time any pedestrian of any age is crossing the road, they are at a greater risk.”

Take an alternate route. If you are not a parent responsible for picking up or dropping off a child, it may be best to avoid driving in a school zone altogether to avoid any frustrations.

Treat each child as if they were your own. It’s not only impatient motorists who are running late for work that are responsible for school zone accidents. Parents are just as likely to break school zone rules when they are picking up or dropping off their children. Keep in mind that even though your child has been picked up or dropped off safely, there are others still out with the possibility of being injured. Stay vigilant and follow the school zone rules and keep these children safe. You know you would want other parents to do the same for your children.

Report any hazards or dangers you notice. Should you have a “near miss” with a child, let someone at the school or authorities know how it happened. You may be alerting them of an area that could be dangerous in the school zone. Solomon of the National Safety Council says, “You need to find whoever is in charge if it’s a crossing guard, a law enforcement agent or school staff. You need to safely park the vehicle and explain what happened. Sooner or later, enough near-misses mean someone gets hit.”

At Virginia Auto Service, we care about the community we live in and want nothing more than to make it as safe as possible. We hope you find these safety tips for driving in a school zone to be helpful. For more information on school zones in Arizona check out the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) web page. For further advice on how you can keep child pedestrians and bicyclists safe in school zones, you can refer to the National Safety Council’s “Back to School Safety Tips for Motorists.”

Talking About Driving Safety with The Elderly

There comes a time in most people’s life that driving for themselves is no longer safe. For most, this will be a very sensitive time in their lives, and tender egos may cloud their better judgment.

If you are having concerns about an older relative or friend’s ability to drive, you should discuss it with them promptly. Avoiding the subject could, unfortunately, be a matter of life and death. It’s painful and awkward to tell an older adult that they are no longer able to drive, and for them, it may be a bit humiliating. As difficult as the conversation is, if you truly believe they are a danger behind the wheel, you need to have the conversation sooner rather than later. Later may be too late.

Don’t Wait for Their Driving to Become a Problem

When confronted with changes in their driving abilities, their initial response will often be denial and anger. Later they will probably become sad, and maybe even a little depressed as they realize that their personal freedoms are slipping away. It’s not uncommon for the topic to come up after an accident or frightening near miss, making it an even more emotional conversation. Plan ahead of time and have a series of conversations with your parents or older relatives about driver safety and how they can plan to adapt their driving habits if it becomes necessary long before their driving becomes a problem- maybe years before. This will help ease your burden when the time to have the discussion arrives by being able to remind them of your previous discussions.

When It’s Time for The Talk

Geriatric expert David Solie states in his book, How to Say It to Seniors, that “because elderly people face so many losses at this stage of life, they tend to rigidly control the few things they can. This struggle for control will almost certainly come into play where driving is concerned because giving up the car keys could affect where they live, who they see, and what interests and activities they can pursue. To you, this decision is a simple matter of good sense and safety; for them, it represents the end of life as they’ve always known it.” Take time to plan your approach ahead of time, and remain sensitive to their feelings.

Introducing the Subject

Try to avoid coming on too strong so that you don’t set the conversation off on the wrong foot. If you’ve noticed their driving capabilities slipping, then they probably have too. Try and get them to express their own concerns. Start the conversation with a question. For example, if they had received a ticket or been in an accident, ask about it. Then follow up with other questions like, “How are you doing with your driving? Are you finding it a little more difficult than it used to be?”

Use Reflective Listening

Hearing that they may need to stop driving is difficult. You will be met with objections. Usually, they will start pointing out all of the reasons that they can’t stop driving. How will they get to their weekly golf game? How will they get to their appointments or the grocery store? They gloss over the questions about their driving ability by making a case for all the reasons they can’t stop. This is important to recognize. They know they are struggling to drive safely, but they just can’t imagine how they can get by without a car.

Elizabeth Dugan, a geriatric researcher who wrote the book The Driving Dilemma, suggests you help them express their fears by using “reflective listening.” Reflective listening essentially means rephrasing what the person has said and conveys support and encouragement. It helps the speaker gain insight about his experience. Instead of immediately jumping in with promises (I’m sure Sue will take you to golf), or reassurances (It will all work out fine), use reflective listening to direct the conversation. You can say something along the lines of, “I know you are worried that you will have to give up some of your usual activities when you give up driving.” This kind of response encourages them to continue the discussion and continue to reflect on their worries, instead of shutting it down.

Make the Time for a Long Discussion

Don’t rush the conversation. Take the time to truly listen to all their concerns and feelings. Don’t be surprised if they become nostalgic and begin talking about the past. They may reflect on road trips, buying their first car, or teaching their kids to drive. Let them talk.

Encourage the Reminiscences

Resist your urge to interrupt them and get them back on track. Instead, ask them questions, ask to see photos. Reminiscing helps people sift through their emotions and come to terms with current circumstances.

Ask Them Directly What They Think They Should Do

As the discussion progresses, ask them what they feel they should do about driving. Maybe encourage them to write out a list of pros and cons of the alternatives they face. Sometimes this helps them realize that there are some benefits to giving up their key (saving money on gas, auto insurance, and car maintenance). It will also bring focus to the consequences of continuing to drive, such as fatal accidents.

This may be a good time to put the conversation on hold. Suggest meeting again in a couple of days, after you have all had the chance to reflect on the options.

6 Ways to Help Someone Stop Driving

Your continued support and involvement in their lives will make giving up the car a far less lonely and frightening prospect. These tips from Caring.com will help you ease their fears and transition smoothly into their new lifestyle.

Make it a habit to check in on them often, just to chat or share some news.
Offer to drive them to the activities they enjoy — or help find someone else who can take them.
See that they’re included in family outings, like their grandchildren’s school events or a day at the beach.
Encourage them to try taking the bus on their next trip to the pharmacy, or to walk, if it isn’t too far away, and offer to go with them if you can.
Urge them to ask for rides from friends, and to reciprocate in whatever way they can (preparing a meal, for example).
Help them develop new routines and interests that don’t require driving, like gardening, walking, or swimming at the local pool.

Virginia Auto Service loves to help you with your vehicle and safety in any way we can, we hope you find these tips helpful and make the conversation with your loved one a little easier. For high-quality auto repair services, give the experts at Virginia Auto Service a try. Call (602) 266-0200 or schedule an appointment online.

Move Over When You See Those Flashing Lights

Did you know that one tow truck driver is killed every six days on the road? Or that 23 highway workers and one law enforcement officer are killed every month and five firefighters are killed every year? It was for this reason that Arizona initiated the “Move Over Law,” ARS 28-775E-1-2, in 2005.

According to moveoveraz.com, the law is a measure designed to protect the lives of everyone who uses our roadways. The law requires all drivers to move over one lane to create a safe margin of space when passing by any vehicle with flashing lights on the side of the road.

As stated above, the law took effect in 2005 in order to reduce injuries and fatalities to law-enforcement officers and emergency responders assisting the public. It was later enhanced in July 2011 to protect everyone, including stranded motorists, tow truck drivers, roadside assistance providers and road work and maintenance crews, as well as emergency responders and law enforcement officers. The new slogan is “Move over. Every car, every time.”

The law recognizes that there may be times when it is not safe for the motorist to move over. In those situations, the driver should slow down -between 15 to 20 miles below the posted speed limit- and proceed with caution. Drivers should watch for people or objects that could enter their travel lane, and be prepared to stop.

Arizona’s Move Over law applies to all public roads and highways statewide, including local roads and surface streets, interstates, parkways and state highways. It can be enforced by any law-enforcement officer, including local police, county sheriff’s deputies and Department of Public Safety (DPS) officers.

Failure to comply with the law is a moving violation. Fines vary by jurisdiction but can range from $150 to $650.

So, remember…

MOVE Over when you see any vehicle with flashing lights on the side of any road or highway.
SLOW DOWN AND USE CAUTION if you cannot move over.
Not obeying the law is a moving violation punishable by fines; worse, you or someone else could be injured or killed.

Virginia Auto Service loves to help you with your vehicle and safety in any way we can, we hope you find this post helpful. For high-quality auto repair services, give the experts at Virginia Auto Service a try. Call (602) 266-0200 or schedule an appointment online.

14 Monsoon Road Safety Tips

The monsoons are off to a slow start this year, but that doesn’t mean we won’t have some severe weather conditions on our hands. The monsoons bring much needed water to the desert, but they also bring flooded road ways, massive dust storms, low visibility, and other such driving hazards.

14 Monsoon Road Safety Tips

Here are 14 tips from the Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) to keep motorists safe on the road during the monsoon season:

Go Slow. In bad weather the posted speed limit may not be safe. When it first starts raining the roads are slick with oil, which makes them more slippery. Your vehicle will have less traction on a wet road than it will on a dry road and slower speeds will allow for safer braking and stopping distances. If it is a highly rainy day, water will pool on the roads which could cause you to hydroplane if you are going too fast.
Give other drivers space. It is important to leave plenty of room between your vehicle and other vehicles during inclement weather. Stopping and braking distances are affected by the wet and slippery roads. You should increase your space from three seconds to at least six seconds. This means that it should take six seconds for you to reach a spot that the car in front of you passes. For example, when a car that is in front of you passes a sign you should count, “one Mississippi, two Mississippi,” up to at least the sixth Mississippi. If you pass the sign before you reach six Mississippi, then you are following too close.
Phoenix Street Flood, AZ
Watch for water pooling up on the roads and avoid them if possible to avoid hydroplaning.
Turn Around, Don’t Drown. Never enter an area that has been barricaded due to flooding. It is against the law and very dangerous. If a driver needs rescue from a flooded wash that has posted warning signs or gates they may be held responsible for the cost of the rescue under Arizona’s “Stupid Motorist Law.” However, even if a roadway has yet to be barricaded and it appears flooded, then you should avoid it. You do not know how fast that water is running or how deep it is. It only takes one or two feet of water to float most cars.
Make sure that your headlights are on. Visibility is limited when it is storming. You want to make sure that you are not only seeing all that you can, but that other drivers can see you.
Stay extra alert in the dark. Visibility is even more compromised at night. Slow down and pay extra close attention to changing weather and road conditions.
Often times, before the rain begins, monsoons bring heavy winds which could result in a dust storm. Make sure you can maintain a strong grip on your vehicle to avoid swerving in these winds. Also, watch for blowing dust and avoid driving into a dust storm if possible.
Pull Aside, Stay Alive. If you are unable to avoid the dust storm, then you should pull over and wait it out. While you are driving have your headlights on and slow down. Pull as far off to the right side of the road as possible. Do not stop on the roadway or the emergency shoulder area. Once you are off the road, stop, and shut off your lights and engine. Stay in your car and keep your foot off of the brake pedal. If drivers see your lights on the side of the road, they may think you are still in motion and attempt to follow you, and inevitably crash into you.
If you come across an intersection with a broken traffic signal it should be treated as a four-way stop.
Keep your vehicle in good condition. Head and tail lamps, along with your turn signals, should all be working properly. Maintain proper tire pressure and replace worn out tires for better traction. You should also make sure that your brakes are in good condition, and that you have new wiper blades and that the washer fluid is topped off.
Carry an emergency kit -or at the very least extra food and water- to be prepared for the chance of unforeseen delays; such as construction, flooded roads, accidents, or other traffic delays.
If you suffer a mechanical breakdown or tire failure, remain calm, slow down, keep the steering wheel straight, and drive the vehicle to a safe area as far from traffic as possible.
ALWAYS wear your seat belt!
Check the weather before you hit the road. If there is any chance you can avoid driving in the inclement weather, then you should do so. You should know what the difference between the various weather warnings are so you can make an educated decision before you hit the road. (Warnings are not issued for lightning, mainly because most thunderstorms, no matter how weak, produce deadly cloud-to-ground lightning.)
- Watches mean that widespread severe weather is possible. A watch means that severe weather has not occurred yet, but weather conditions are becoming highly volatile. Pay close attention to the weather, and tune into TV, radio, or NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts frequently.
- Warnings (Severe Thunderstorm, Flash Flood, Dust Storm, and rarely Tornado) mean that life-threatening weather is about to occur, or has been reported. Action should be taken immediately.
- Flood Advisories mean heavy rains will cause minor flooding of washes, streams, and typical flood-prone areas. Flooding in this situation is usually not serious. If the flooding does become life threatening, then the flood advisory is upgraded to a Flash Flood Warning.

Remember to be a patient and courteous driver. Keep in mind that all of the other motorists are facing the same conditions as you. For more tips on driving in inclement weather, such as responding to a skid, click here. If you have any concerns over the condition of your vehicle, please don’t hesitate to make an appointment with us at Virginia Auto Service. Call us at 602-266-0200, or schedule an appointment here.

Road Trip Safety Tips in Time for Spring Break

Spring Break is among us, and for many Arizonan’s this means a road trip is in their near future. In order to make sure that you are reaching your destinations confidently and safely this break, we have compiled a list of things that you should do to prepare for the road ahead.

Road Trip Safety Tips in Time for Spring Break

Make Sure Your Vehicle is in Top Working Order

The key to a safe road trip is to be driving a safe vehicle. Chances are if you are taking a certain vehicle on your trip it is because you trust the shape that it is in. However, it is still safest to perform basic maintenance on your vehicle, or schedule a check-up before you hit the road.

• Check your fluids. Though it may seem like no big deal, fluids actually play a crucial role in the overall health of your car. Make sure you are at your vehicles recommended fluid levels for coolant, engine oil, brake fluid, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, and even windshield washer fluid. You can find your recommended levels in your owner’s manual. Finding and correcting a low fluid before your trip is highly preferred to ending up stranded on the side of the road in the middle of nowhere.

• Check your tires. Tires are probably one of the most common problems on a long road trip. Look your tires over or have them looked over by a professional before you leave. Check your air pressure, refer to your owner’s manual or on your driver side door for your recommended PSI (pounds per square inch). Remember to only do this when the tires are cool -meaning you haven’t driven on them recently- so you get an accurate reading. Perform the quarter or penny test on your tread. If you pass then you are probably fine, if not you may want to replace before you hit the road. You will also want to inspect the sidewall for any bulges or tears. Don’t forget to check your spare!

• Check your brakes. It is imperative that you have properly functioning brakes before you go on a road trip. Before heading out have a mechanic look at your brakes to make sure they are in good condition. While driving you should not hear squeaking or grinding when you brake. If you are hearing these noises, then it is most likely time for new brake pads and maybe rotors. While on your trip, avoid riding your brakes too hard (especially on steep, mountainous roads) as this causes damage that could leave you stranded on the side of the road needing assistance.

• Check your battery. Make sure the cables are tight to the battery, and check the battery terminals to make sure that they are free from corrosion.

• Check your air filter. Changing the air filter if it needs it will help get you better gas mileage on your trip. If you pull it out, and it’s visibly dirty and black then it’s time for a new filter. If it has been over 12 months or 12,000 miles since you have last had your air filter inspected, then it is really important not to skip this step.

• Check your wipers and electrics. You want to make sure that you can see, and that you are being seen while on the road. Make sure all of your lights are working properly. Also check your wiper blades and fluid so that you can keep your windshield clean to reduce glare from oncoming traffic.

Plan Ahead and Be Prepared

Taking simple preparation steps before a road trip can help eliminate a lot of stress on the road.

• Know your route. Program your destinations into your GPS ahead of time should you have one. If you are using a map, make sure it is up to date and have a passenger help you navigate. You can plan your route ahead of time with highlighters. (Even if you are planning on using a GPS of some sort, it is still wise to keep an up to date map on hand so you are not stranded if there are any technical difficulties.) Planning your route beforehand will help you make sure you’ll have food, lodging options, and rest-stops to choose from when the need arises.

• Pack an emergency kit. You should always have some sort of emergency kit on hand, but for a road trip you may want to look it over and make sure it is stocked properly to accommodate you as well as all of your passengers. We have an emergency kit check list you can use here. If anyone has asthma or allergies or another condition that may need special medication, you may want to include extra in your kit just in case.

• Prepare your phone. Make sure your phone has all of your important emergency contacts in it and that it is charged! Don’t forget to bring a car charger with you. You may want to keep a written list of your important contacts in your emergency kit as well, just in case you have an issue with your cell and you don’t have all of the numbers memorized.

• Join an auto club. Simply having roadside assistance like AAA on a road trip can be a real life saver. They are especially great if you are amongst a group of people that are not too car savvy. Auto clubs are there for you whether you have a flat, over heat, get lost, or crash your car. Even if you don’t end up using them on your trip, it is a comfort knowing that if something should have happened, you had somewhere to get help quickly.

• Check the weather. You want to make sure your car can handle what you are about to put it through, so check to see if there is rain or other unfavorable weather on your trip so that you can make your car ready. This will also help you know what to wear and pack.

• Let someone know where you are going and your estimated time of arrival. Making sure people are aware of your destinations and when you should be reaching them is important. If something happens and you don’t make it there, having someone who knows your route and plans can be a life saver. They can get in touch with the proper authorities and send help should you need it.

• Bring plenty of food and water. Having some snacks and water on hand will give your body the fuel it needs to stay awake and healthy on the road. Becoming overly hungry or dehydrated while driving can be dangerous. Crackers and peanut butter are great energy boosters that are filling, too.

• Have all of your paper work. While on a road trip it is important to keep these papers on hand: driver’s license, proof of car insurance, vehicle registration, owner’s manual, warranty information, road side assistance contact number, medical insurance card.

Use Safe Driving Practices

Driving safely is as important as making sure your vehicle is functioning properly. It is important to remember to always be respectful of other travelers and follow the rules of the road.

• Buckle up. Any time you enter a vehicle the first thing you should do is put on your seat belt. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 53 percent of drivers and passengers killed in car crashes in 2009 were not wearing restraints. The CDC goes on to say that seat belts saved almost 13,000 lives in 2009, and that if all drivers and passengers had worn seat belts that year, almost 4,000 more people would be alive today. Seat belts are there to prevent needless injury and/or death, so no matter how uncomfortable they may be, put it on.

• Be well rested and take frequent breaks. Avoid driving drowsy at all costs. If you must keep going, see if a passenger can take the wheel for a while if you find yourself getting tired. After a certain amount of time, driving when you are tired could be as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol. You can read about the dangers of drowsy driving and how to prevent it here.

• Don’t Speed. Obeying the speed limit not only conserves fuel, but it also helps prevent speeding tickets and deadly crashes.

• Avoid distractions. Stay off of your phone when driving, don’t wear headphones, don’t eat a big meal and drive (handful of shelled nuts = good, giant burger that requires two hands = bad), if you have a pet with you make sure it is secure in the back seat and not climbing all over you. Avoid as many distractions as possible as they cause accidents. Have a passenger answer your text if you must answer it, or have a passenger drive while you eat.

• Don’t drive impaired. Do not consume alcohol or take any drugs, recreational or doctor prescribed that will affect you driving in any way. If you are on the road with multiple people, assign someone as a designated driver. Take turns if you like. Just don’t let anyone behind the wheel when they are under the influence.

• To avoid collision don’t follow other cars too closely. Remember the three second rule. Watch the car in front of you. Look for something like a speed limit sign and once they pass it count one Mississippi, two Mississippi, three Mississippi. If you pass it before you reach three Mississippi, then you are too close. In adverse driving conditions like rain, or snow then you should increase the count to six.

• Make sure you are seen. Turn on your lights at dusk or when it is raining so that other cars are sure to see you.

Spring break is meant to be a time for having fun and enjoying life. Help ensure your safety and the safety of others by following the advice provided above.