June is National Safety Month — Drive Safely to Prevent Car Accidents

As discussed in the previous post, June is National Safety Month in New York and around the U.S. During the last week of June, The National Safety Council wants people to particularly focus on how they can drive more safely every day of the year. Driving is one of the most dangerous activities and accidents involving motor vehicles are one of the top causes of preventable injuries and deaths.

People may forget that operating a car can be like operating a deadly weapon. Motorists that text-while-driving or drive while under the influence of alcohol in New York pose a grave danger to other motorists as well as motorcyclists, pedestrians and bicyclists. Distracted driving, speeding and impaired driving are all leading causes of car accidents and all injuries and deaths caused by these behaviors are preventable.

The National Safety Council recommends that all drivers follow these safe driving tips:

• Always wear a seat belt, no matter how short a distance you are traveling
• Make sure vehicle passengers have put on their seat belts before driving anywhere
• Do not use a handheld cell phone or text while driving
• Designate a non-drinking driver if you plan on riding to an event where alcohol will be served
• Never get into a car with an impaired driver
• Do not drive aggressively — give yourself plenty of time to get to where you are going, factoring in traffic and other delays

Drive safely this summer and all year long.

Source: National Safety Council, “National Safety Month 2012: Drive Safely: June 24-30”