Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of work-related deaths in the United States. Alcohol and drug use are involved in more than 40% of all fatal crashes and 39% of all work-related crashes. Unfortunately, impaired driving accidents increase during the holidays. Here are some tips to stay safe over the holidays:
1 Keep your distance from drivers who appear impaired.
Signs of impairment may include braking for no reason, stopping far before or after a stop line, swerving, hitting a curb, or drifting toward the centerline. If you spot a driver who is an obvious danger, pull over to a safe place and contact the police.
2 Avoid driving at risky times.
Most fatal crashes caused by impaired driving occur on the weekend between midnight and 3 a.m. Try to limit your time on the road during these hours.
3 Limit holiday business travel.
One of the best ways to keep employees safe on the road during the holidays is to limit their business travel. Roadway travel is essential for many industries, but others can do business virtually during this busy time of year.
4 Recognize signs of alcohol or drug impairment.
Alcohol, illegal drugs, some prescription drugs, and certain over-the-counter medications can affect alertness, concentration, coordination, and reaction time. Be prepared to act if you see someone who is unfit to drive.5 Do not drive buzzed or high.
This year the U.S. Department of Transportation is teaming with law enforcement nationwide during the holidays to promote the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign. This campaign, along with Drive High Get a DUI and Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving, reminds drivers that impaired driving is dangerous and illegal in all 50 states. Unfortunately, many people who would normally never drive impaired make an exception over the holidays. This poses a threat to the driver, passengers, and others on the road. If you are buzzed or high, you are not okay to drive.
For more safe driving tips or to learn more about developing an Occupational Driving Safety Program for your company, download or stream any of DWC’s driving safety publications or videos; or contact a safety training specialist today at SafetyTraining@tdi.texas.gov or 1-800-252-7031, option 2.