Plan for a Safe Drive Home
If you forget to buy a Valentine’s Day gift or make a dinner reservation, chances are you’ll survive. Your sweetie will still love you if you find another way to make him or her feel special. Surviving an impaired-driving crash might require another kind of superpower. The message to share with your coworkers, friends and loved ones: If you’re going out, plan ahead for a safe ride home:
- Appoint a designated, sober driver
- Use public transportation or a rideshare service
Let everyone at your location know why this is so important to remember. Share this crash data from the Texas Department of Transportation during your next safety talk:
- 1 person was injured every 2 minutes 6 seconds in a crash on Texas roads last year
- 1,090 people were killed in crashes where a driver was under the influence of alcohol (that’s nearly three alcohol-impaired driving crash fatalities every day in Texas)
Impairment also can result from the use of other drugs, sleep-loss, anxiety and stress. Prescription medications can cause side effects, including dizziness and fatigue. Reaction times for drivers under the influence of marijuana are slower than for sober drivers.
Drivers in crashes that involve serious injuries or fatalities often test positive for at least one drug in their system, according to the National Highway Traffic Administration, and trauma center data frequently shows impaired drivers have used multiple drugs.
Here are three ways you can help everyone on your team be at their best behind the wheel, not only on Valentine’s Day but throughout the year:
- Watch: Share this 1-minute driver behavior educational video focusing on impairment, available in English and Spanish
- Test their knowledge: Create safety engagement with our driver safety games, and focus on Impairment Jeopardy
- Download and display: Get safety posters to share in public spaces or on your social media channels, including this “glass half-empty” favorite
Your continuing education efforts go a long way toward reducing incidents of impaired driving.
Driving Ergonomics
We go to great lengths to design our workspaces to fit our bodies – and for good reason. But what about creating a healthy setup for driving? Many of us spend as much or more time behind the wheel as we do at our desks. Neglecting your driving ergonomics can undo all the effort you’ve put into staying comfortable and injury-free at work. Let’s explore some simple steps to maintain good ergonomics and protect yourself — and your loved ones — on the road.
Ergonomics for Pain-Free Driving
Seating: Adjust your seat to maintain a 90-degree angle at your knees and hips. Ensure you can reach the pedals without straining or compromising back support. Keep your spine aligned and position the headrest so it sits in the middle of your head. Use lumbar adjustments to support the natural curve of your lower back.
Steering wheel: Set the wheel to a height and angle that allows you to keep your shoulders relaxed. The airbag should aim at your chest, not your head or neck. Maintain a distance of about 10 inches from the steering wheel to reduce the force of airbag deployment in a crash.
Mirrors: Adjust your mirrors before driving to avoid straining your neck. Properly positioned mirrors minimize blind spots and enhance safety.
Entering/exiting: Avoid twisting awkwardly. Instead, swivel your lower body with the aid of the steering wheel. These small adjustments can prevent discomfort and long-term injury.
Seat Belt Safety: A Gesture of Love
Valentine’s Day is a time to cherish and protect the people who matter most. One of the simplest ways to show your love is by using your seat belt correctly. Position the lap belt snugly across your hips, not your stomach, to prevent abdominal injuries in a crash. Keep the shoulder belt over your shoulder, not under your arm, to ensure upper-body protection.
Here’s the Why
- The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates the risk of fatal injury in a car crash would be reduced by 45% and the risk of moderate to critical injury would be reduced by 50% if everyone used their seat belts.
- Last year, nearly 49% of people killed in crashes in Texas where restraint use was known were not wearing seat belts, according to the Texas Department of Transportation.
Here’s What You Can Do
- Download and display this free safety poster: Buckle Up, My Love!
- Watch and share this 1-minute seat belt safety video, available in English and Spanish
Remember, the little things can make a big difference. Staying safe and comfortable while driving is an essential part of caring for yourself and those you hold dear. This Valentine’s Day, buckle up — for you and the ones you love!