SAFETY: Safety on the Road Ms. Mai Lawndale High School

Safety on the Road More people in the United States have died from automobile accidents than have dies in all the wars this country has fought More people in the United States have died from automobile accidents than have dies in all the wars this country has fought Most safety experts say that many automobile deaths and injuries can be prevented Most safety experts say that many automobile deaths and injuries can be prevented

Automobile Safety Drivers between the ages of 15 and 24 are the most likely to have a car accident, even though they have better reflexes and coordination Drivers between the ages of 15 and 24 are the most likely to have a car accident, even though they have better reflexes and coordination Teenagers and young adults could have good safety records if they followed general rules for safe driving Teenagers and young adults could have good safety records if they followed general rules for safe driving

Driving Safely Driving safely usually begins with learning the rules of the road Driving safely usually begins with learning the rules of the road In all states, you must complete drivers’ education courses in order to obtain a valid license In all states, you must complete drivers’ education courses in order to obtain a valid license Safe driving means never driving when under the influence of alcohol or drugs Safe driving means never driving when under the influence of alcohol or drugs

Tips for Safe Driving Don’t tailgate (driving closely behind the car in front of you) Don’t tailgate (driving closely behind the car in front of you) Learn to be a defensive driver (prepare to respond to driving errors) Learn to be a defensive driver (prepare to respond to driving errors) Stay alert (don’t let music distract you) Stay alert (don’t let music distract you) Keep your vehicle in good repair Keep your vehicle in good repair Prepare for poor road conditions (when conditions are poor, pull off the side of the road or find another route) Prepare for poor road conditions (when conditions are poor, pull off the side of the road or find another route)

Wearing a Seat Belt More accidents happen on city streets than on highways More accidents happen on city streets than on highways Even a crash at 12mph can kill!!! Even a crash at 12mph can kill!!! The surprise of collisions usually make it hard for people to control their body movement, so people are often thrown against windshields and dashboards, or against the ground The surprise of collisions usually make it hard for people to control their body movement, so people are often thrown against windshields and dashboards, or against the ground Simply wearing a seat belt can prevent the seriousness of the accident Simply wearing a seat belt can prevent the seriousness of the accident

Motorcycles Motorcyclists are 8 times more likely to be injured or killed in an accident than people in more-protected cars Motorcyclists are 8 times more likely to be injured or killed in an accident than people in more-protected cars Cyclists should know how to operate their vehicle and keep them in good shape Cyclists should know how to operate their vehicle and keep them in good shape Nearly 20% of all motorcycle accidents are caused by brake failure, or riding a bike that is too large for the driver Nearly 20% of all motorcycle accidents are caused by brake failure, or riding a bike that is too large for the driver

Bicycles Bicycle riding in an inexpensive way to get around, and a popular activity Bicycle riding in an inexpensive way to get around, and a popular activity People ride bikes in parks, on streets, and other recreational areas People ride bikes in parks, on streets, and other recreational areas Keep your bike in good working condition and follow traffic rules Keep your bike in good working condition and follow traffic rules Be courteous to pedestrians, children, and those in other vehicles Be courteous to pedestrians, children, and those in other vehicles

Pedestrian Safety As a pedestrian, you are at risk when walking along the street As a pedestrian, you are at risk when walking along the street Use crosswalks and always look both ways before crossing the street Use crosswalks and always look both ways before crossing the street Listen for traffic, especially at night, and don’t count on drivers to see you Listen for traffic, especially at night, and don’t count on drivers to see you If there is no sidewalk, walk on the side of the road so that you can watch oncoming traffic If there is no sidewalk, walk on the side of the road so that you can watch oncoming traffic Wear light-colored or reflective clothing, or carry a flashlight Wear light-colored or reflective clothing, or carry a flashlight