Be Ready. Be Set. Be Focused. National Drive Safely Work Week :: October 3-7, 2005
BINGHAMTON, NY - Checking voicemail on a cell phone, making notes, tuning the car radio, eating, reading directions or looking at a map are all driving distractions that can put employees in potential danger, especially when coupled with adverse weather conditions and the unpredictable behavior of other drivers. For this reason the Broome County Traffic Safety Board is teaming up with local corporate and government employers to promote safe driving in honor of the ninth annual Drive Safely Work Week, a campaign being observed by thousands of employers nationwide October 3-7, 2005.
This initiative is one of many to come in Broome County aimed at raising driver awareness about how serious the skill of driving is and the importance of being focused when driving. Local statistics show that distracted driving behaviors account for about 25% of all crashes. This statistic is consistent with the national average. Distracted driving can be summed up with one phrase, "multitasking or doing anything that takes a drivers' attention away from the road and other vehicles instantly putting the driver at risk for a motor vehicle crash," states Lucas Davis, Public Health Educator for the Broome County Health Department. Research shows that drivers can make up to 200 decisions for every mile traveled. This fact alone causes great concerns for highway safety and the stark reality of the potential for crashes.
The combination of driver distraction and motor vehicle speed can be deadly not to mention extremely costly to society as a whole. The incentive for employers is shocking with an estimated $60 billion cost for their employees experiencing a motor vehicle crash either on or off the job. Incorporating safe driving advertising as well as education is well worth the effort. "Traditionally traffic safety education and marketing has been primarily a police enforcement and public health education focus. This is a partnership that we look to continue and expand to the corporate and government workplace," states Mr. Davis. "By increasing our linkages with this segment, our message that "safe driving is serious business" will be strengthened coming directly from employers, as well as law enforcement and public health officials."
For more information about driver safety, call Lucas Davis, Broome County Traffic Safety Coordinator, at 607.778.2807.
CONTACT:
Lucas Davis, Traffic Safety Coordinator
Broome County Health Department: 607.778.2807
email: lddavis@co.broome.ny.us
Diane O'Hora, Supervising Public Health Educator
Broome County Health Department: 607.778.3921
email: dohora@co.broome.ny.us
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