1. © BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources 1406  Nueces County Risk Management Department Holiday and Traffic Safety

2. © BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources 1406  You will be able to:  Identify driving hazards  Understand defensive driving techniques  Use defensive driving techniques to prevent accidents and injuries on the road Session Objectives

3. © BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources 1406 Driving Safety Statistics  Someone is injured every 18 seconds  Over 2 million injuries annually  A person dies in a crash every 11 minutes  Motor vehicle accidents are the most common cause of death  1 in 4 fatal work injuries involves a vehicle accident

4. © BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources 1406 Driving Hazards  Reckless driving  Distracted driving  Fatigue  Aggressive driving  Failure to keep vehicles in good operating condition  Driving under the influence

5. © BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources 1406 Driving Hazards: Dangerous Conditions  Bad weather  Difficult road conditions  Poor light or glare  Heavy traffic  Road work  Accidents

6. © BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources 1406 Seat Belts  Saved over 100,000 lives  Prevent crashing into steering wheel, dash, or windshield  Keep you inside vehicle  Protect body organs  Improve chance of remaining conscious  Keep you behind the wheel if you have to swerve or brake suddenly

7. © BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources 1406 Vehicle Maintenance  Regular tune-ups  Oil changes  Fluid levels  Brakes  Tire treads and pressure  Lights, signals, and wipers

8. © BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources 1406 Pre-Drive Inspection  Walkaround inspection  Tires  Leaks under vehicle  Windows clean, nothing blocking vision  Mirrors properly adjusted  Lights working properly

9. © BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources 1406 Carrying a Load?  Don’t overload your vehicle  Make sure everyone has a seat and a seat belt  Make sure cargo is properly secured  Be certain your vision is not blocked

10. © BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources 1406  Avoid driving alone or at night.  Keep all car doors locked and windows closed while in or out of your car. Set your alarm or use an anti-theft device.  If you must shop at night, park in a well-lighted area.  Avoid parking next to vans, trucks with camper shells, or cars with tinted windows.  Park as close as you can to your destination and take notice of where you parked.  Never leave your car unoccupied with the motor running or with children inside. Holiday Safety Tips

11. © BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources 1406  Do not leave packages or valuables on the seat of your car. This creates a temptation for thieves. If you must leave something in the car, lock it in the trunk or put it out of sight.  Be sure to locate your keys prior to going to your car.  Keep a secure hold on your purse, handbag and parcels. Do not put them down or on top of the car in order to open the door.  When approaching or leaving your vehicle, be aware of your surroundings.  Do not approach your car alone if there are suspicious people in the area.  Ask mall or store security for an escort before leaving your shopping location. Holiday Safety Tips, con’t.

12. © BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources 1406  If you must use an ATM, choose one that is located inside a police station, mall, or well-lighted location. Withdraw only the amount of cash you need.  Protect your PIN by shielding the ATM keypad from anyone who is standing near you.  Do not throw your ATM receipt away at the ATM location. Automated Teller Machine (ATM)

13. © BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources 1406  Shop during daylight hours whenever possible. If you must shop at night, go with a friend or family member.  Dress casually and comfortably.  Avoid wearing expensive jewelry.  Do not carry a purse or wallet, if possible.  Always carry your California Driver License or Identification Card along with necessary cash, checks and/or a credit card you expect to use.  Even though you are rushed and thinking about a thousand things, stay alert to your surroundings. Shopping

14. © BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources 1406  Avoid overloading yourself with packages. It is important to have clear visibility and freedom of motion to avoid mishaps.  Beware of strangers approaching you for any reason. At this time of year, "con-artists" may try various methods of distracting you with the intention of taking your money or belongings. Shopping, con’t.

15. © BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources 1406  Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.  Pay for purchases with a check or credit card when possible.  Keep cash in your front pocket.  Notify the credit card issuer immediately if your credit card is lost, stolen or misused.  Keep a record of all of your credit card numbers in a safe place at home.  Be extra careful if you do carry a wallet or purse. They are the prime targets of criminals in crowded shopping areas, transportation terminals, bus stops, on buses and other rapid transit. Shopping, con’t.

16. © BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources 1406  If possible, leave small children at home with a trusted babysitter.  Teach your child to go to a store clerk and ask for help in case your child is separated from you.  Teach children to stay close to you at all times while shopping.  Never allow children to make unaccompanied trips to the restroom.  Children should never be allowed to go to the car alone and they should never be left alone in the car.  Teach children their full name, address and telephone number to give to police officers or mall security. Teach children to immediately inform you if a stranger is bothering them. Children

17. © BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources 1406  Be extra cautious about locking doors and windows when you leave the house, even for a few minutes.  When leaving home for an extended time, have a neighbor or family member watch your house and pick up your newspapers and mail.  Indoor and outdoor lights should be on an automatic timer.  Leave a radio or television on so the house looks and sounds occupied.  Large displays of holiday gifts should not be visible through the windows and doors of your home. At Home

18. © BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources 1406  When setting up a Christmas tree or other holiday display, make sure doors and passageways are clear inside your home.  Be sure your Christmas tree is mounted on a sturdy base so children, elderly persons or family pets cannot pull it over on themselves.  If you use lights on your Christmas tree ensure the wiring is not damaged or frayed. Frayed or damaged wiring can cause a fire.  Place your Christmas tree in water or wet sand to keep it green.  Never place wrapping paper in your fireplace. At Home, con’t.

19. © BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources 1406  Be aware that criminals sometimes pose as couriers delivering gifts.  It is not uncommon for criminals to take advantage of the generosity of people during the holiday season by soliciting donations door-to-door for charitable causes although no charity is involved.  Ask for their identification, and find out how the donated funds will be used. If you are not satisfied, do not donate.  Donate to a recognized charitable organization. Strangers at Your Door

20. © BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources 1406  Have non-alcoholic beverages available for party guests.  Find alternative transportation for intoxicated guests.  Arrange for an official designated driver for your party who will not drink at all. Hosting a Party

21. © BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources 1406  Have something to eat before consuming alcoholic beverages.  Eat high protein foods that will stay in your stomach longer and slow the absorption of alcohol into your system.  Remember only time will eliminate the alcohol from your body.  Know your safe limit.  Never drink and drive. Attending a Party

22. © BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources 1406 Don’t Drink or Take Drugs and Drive  Alcohol and drugs impair:  Ability to determine distances  Reaction time  Judgment  Vision  Remember:  Only time, not coffee, will sober you up  Ride with a designated driver

23. © BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources 1406  Be especially careful during late night, early morning, and mid- afternoon hours  Stop, take a nap, and drink coffee if you’re tired  Stop every so often over long distances  Avoid medications that cause drowsiness Watch Out for Fatigue

24. © BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources 1406 Keep Cool in Traffic  Keep your emotions in check  Take steps to stay relaxed no matter what  Allow enough time to get there  Don’t provoke other drivers  Report aggressive drivers to the police

25. © BLR ® —Business & Legal Resources 1406  Move to the side of the road and turn off the ignition  Perform a first-aid check  Call the police  Collect insurance and registration information, and get a copy of the police report  Draw a sketch of the accident scene  Don’t point blame or discuss fault If You’re Involved In an Accident