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Traffic Safety Coalition Encourages Safe Driving this Super Bowl Weekend
2-2-12
CHICAGO – Millions of Americans will soon join together to watch the nation’s biggest sporting event, the Super Bowl. It’s a time for good food, great friends and of course, a few drinks. The Traffic Safety Coalition joins law enforcement officials from around the country in urging everyone to enjoy the game without letting drunk driving ruin the day.
Each year, nearly 12,000 people die on our roads due to impaired driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Super Bowl Sunday is one of the most dangerous days to be on the road due to impaired driving. Nearly half of the fatalities nationwide on Super Bowl Sunday involve a driver over the legal blood alcohol level of .08 percent.
The Traffic Safety Coalition works to support policies and technology, such as traffic safety cameras, that deter drivers from breaking the law while behind the wheel. Working with partners in communities across the country, the Traffic Safety Coalition educates road users and encourages enforcement of important traffic safety laws.
“On Super Bowl Sunday and every day, we implore all road users to obey the rules of the road, particularly impaired and distracted driving laws,” said Rita Kreslin, Director of Alliance Against Intoxicated Motorists, an Illinois-based organization that works to minimize drunk and distracted driving crashes. “Far too many are injured or killed on our roadways every year when drivers take the chance of driving impaired.”
Luckily, more than 175,000 NFL fans this year pledged to be designated drivers on Sunday, which the Network of Employers for Traffic Safety says is a new record. Traffic deaths caused by drunk driving are easily prevented—there are plenty of things you can do this Super Bowl Sunday to make sure no one you know drives drunk.
Before the festivities begin, make sure everyone knows how they are getting home. If you are hosting the party, find creative ways to reward guests for volunteering to be designated drivers. And of course, let a friend stay with you if an alternative isn’t available. Preventing drunk driving is that easy.
“No family should ever have to endure the loss of a loved one because someone was drunk behind the wheel. When so many groups of friends and families are gathering to enjoy football, it is crucial we remind drivers to be responsible on the road,” said Traffic Safety Coalition co-Chair Paul Oberhauser. “We applaud the law enforcement agencies nationwide that are cracking down on impaired driving and encourage drivers to follow every traffic safety law.”
Super Bowl Sunday is meant to be enjoyed by all ages across the country. The Traffic Safety Coalition encourages everyone to be responsible before and after celebrating this Sunday. Remember, fans don’t let fans drive drunk.
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About the Traffic Safety Coalition:
The Traffic Safety Coalition is a not-for-profit, grassroots organization comprised of concerned citizens, traffic safety experts, law enforcement, public officials, victim's advocates, health care professionals, and industry leaders who are committed to working together to make our roads safer for drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. We work with our partners throughout the country to promote technology and education that save lives and keep our roads safe.
The Traffic Safety Coalition received the 2011 Peter K. O'Rourke Special Achievement Award from the Governors Highway Safety Association for outstanding achievements in highway safety.
For more information about traffic safety issues, visit www.trafficsafetycoalition.com or connect with us on Facebook:
Water on the road: Turn Around, Don't Drown
2-2-12
With heavy rains and strong winds moving through portions of Texas this week, the National Weather Service and the Texas Division of Emergency Management, Texas Department of Public Safety continue to urge Texans to avoid low water crossings and driving on flooded roadways.
Many flood-related injuries and deaths could be avoided if drivers would turn around and choose a different route when they see water across a road. When there’s water running across a road, drivers should always turn around and choose a different route. These are the facts:
Six inches of water can cause tires to lose traction and begin to slide.
Twelve inches of water can float many cars. Two feet of rushing water will carry off pick-up trucks, SUVs and most other vehicles.
Water across a road may hide a missing segment of roadbed or a missing bridge.
In flash floods, waters rise so rapidly they may be far deeper by the time you are halfway across, trapping you in your vehicle.
Flash floods are especially treacherous at night when it is very difficult to see how deep waters may be or how fast water is rising.
Floodwater weakens roadbeds. Drivers should proceed cautiously after waters have receded, since the road may collapse under the weight of the vehicle.
Lives can be saved every year if Texas drivers follow this one rule: when there’s water on the road, turn around, don’t drown.
For additional information, click on http://www.srh.noaa.gov/srh/tadd/ or contact the National Weather Service at (817) 978-1111 ext. 140.
