Three Seconds Before the Crash

A local television station called me last week with questions about the dangers of distracted driving. They had heard the announcement by U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and National Safety Council President Janet Froetscher about the creation of a national nonprofit organization called FocusDriven. It is the first of its kind devoted specifically to raising awareness about the dangers of distracted driving.

The reporter wanted to know my view on distracted driving and I was very pleased to take the time to talk with him about this topic. Distracted driving is serious business and a growing concern among safety advocates nationwide.

Although many people think of driving as just a routine task, the reality is that controlling an automobile takes a driver’s full attention. Did you know it only take three seconds to travel more than 300 feet when driving 70 mph? The National Highway Traffic Safety Adminstration says that 80 percent of crashes and 65 percent of near-crashes involve some sort of driving distraction occurring within three seconds before the vehicle crash. One such distraction is texting while driving.

It is not okay to think you can take your eyes off the road to focus on the keyboard of your phone in an attempt to send or read a text. No message is so important that it cannot wait until you have stopped in a safe location.

Our society is a busy one and technology has made the communication of information instant. I have mentioned before how much I depend upon my Blackberry. It allows me to multitask and get a lot done—anywhere and at anytime. But we need to learn to use our technology responsibly and we need to teach our driving-age children to do the same.

My hope is that you pause to think about what you can do now to prevent a crash, rather than think about what you wish you had done differently after a crash. My hope is that my words in this blog or on television this week might just save a life. Please give driving your full attention.

Respond to my blog and let me know what you think.

Matt

M's Thoughts on Weekly Fatality Stats for November 1

Today, I am reviewing the weekly list of traffic related fatalities that occurred in Central Missouri.

These are people who died using Missouri's transportation system here in the central 13 counties of the state.

Every week I notice things that really leave me with an impression.

Statewide, 104 people have been saved this year over last year. That is a 13% decrease in fatalities. That is really cool. The uncool part is that Central Missouri is cruising at a 12% increase over the same period last year.

You read this right. An increase.

A question: Where do you think the vast majority of these fatalities have occurred?

US Highways? I-70?



Most occurred on county roads, state lettered routes, numbered routes, and city streets. Many of these roads are posted at 55mph or less and are most are 2 lane roads. They involve motorcycles, pedestrians, and cars.

The message is not all doom and gloom. Gasconade county is the only county in Central Missouri without a traffic related fatality.

I believe we can do better in Central MO not just Gasconade County if we all:
1. Buckle UP
2. Watch Our Speed
3. Don't drive intoxicated or "intexticated"

Please consider the above action items to help you stay off the weekly list I review.

Hoping You Arrive Alive, M