It takes
focus, practice and skill to safely operate a vehicle moving 80 feet per second
(55 mph). The many distractions drivers can face don't help. Researchers and
state insurance regulators all point to distracted driving as the cause of more
frequent, more costly and too often deadly accidents. The National Association
of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) is here to provide some guidelines to get you
safely to your destination.
Start sober. Don't get behind the wheel while impaired, whether
it's due to exhaustion, medicine, alcohol or recreational drugs. Drunk/impaired
drivers are responsible for approximately 10,000 fatalities a year.
Before the car moves:
- Plan your route, and
set your map or navigation technology before you depart. Don't touch it
again until after reaching your destination.
- Pick your tunes, podcast,
station or playlist, and set it at a volume that allows you to focus on
your driving.
- Put away your phone,
other devices, food, make-up or anything else that might tempt you to take
your hands off the wheel.
- BUCKLE UP. Unbuckled
occupants make up nearly half of those killed in accidents.
While on the road:
- Obey speed limits, and
keep your eyes on the road.
- Ask passengers to help you stay focused on everybody's
safety. Passengers (especially teens), speak up if the driver gets distracted or drives unsafely.
- Parents, your children will learn from your behavior. Be the driver you want them to be.
Keep the ROAD
CODE - a commitment to focused, responsible driving. Doing so will save
lives and money.
WreckCheck App for Smartphones
If an accident happens, take some of
the guesswork out of a tense situation with the NAIC's WreckCheck™. This free mobile app
for iPhone® and Android® smartphones
outlines what to do immediately following an accident and walks users through a
step-by-step process to create their own accident report.
Don't have a
smartphone? Download a printable accident checklist and other tips
for staying calm, safe and smart on the road.