Keeping Your Dreams Alive
With the Holiday Season in full effect, the HIRSC Team would like to remind our followers to make the right decisions this holiday season.
As the Holiday season is upon us and many parties and festivities are underway, we ask everyone to make the right decision to live out your dreams. Don't drink and drive and also don't text and drive, they are both dangerous and deadly.
With only days left in the year 2019, the Hawaii Police Department (HPD) will be stepping up DUI Checkpoints and Traffic Enforcement through the holiday season into 2020.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA): In December 2017, It was 3X more likely to die in a drunk driving-related incident at night. And in 2018, 285 people died in drunk driving-related fatalities during the New Year's and Christmas period in 2018.
Also during the holidays, distracted driving is more pronounced due to the increase in traveling and also busy schedules. Just remember, when drivers are texting, they can be up to 23 times more likely to get into a crash. So always put your full attention to driving and remember that text message or phone call can wait.
With busy schedules and festivities, it can also increase fatigue and stress in drivers as well. So make sure to get plenty of rest before jump behind the wheel and know where you're going or enter it into your GPS before shifting your car into gear. Also, remember to relax and take a breath and don't let stresses of the day overcome you and influence your driving behavior and cause you to make the wrong decision.
On the Island of Hawaii for 2019: A total of 25 people have died in 25 fatal traffic collisions on Hawaii Island.
There have been too many fatalities on our roadways over the last year, many of those accidents were preventable. So make the right decision and arrive home alive this holiday season to fulfill your dreams into 2020.
Here are some tips to keep you safe this holiday season:
Plan a safe and sober ride home before drinking alcohol.
Don’t let someone get behind the wheel if that person has been drinking.
If you’re hosting a party with alcohol, make sure everyone has a sober ride home.
Always wear your seat belt. It’s your best defense against impaired drivers.
If you see a drunk driver, call law enforcement.
Tips to Avoid Distracted Driving (Courtesy of GEICO)
Use your cell phone for emergency situations only. While you're driving, a cell phone should only be used for emergency purposes. Even then, it's best to pull over safely to the right shoulder to make a call. Even hands-free devices can still cause you to miss important visual and audio cues needed to avoid a crash.
Social conversations on cell phones should not be carried on while driving. Remember, it's against the law in a growing number of jurisdictions. You could be ticketed and fined.
If you are drowsy, pull off the road. Drowsiness increases the risk of a crash by nearly four times. A government study showed that 37 percent of U.S. drivers have nodded off or actually fallen asleep at least once during their driving careers. If you feel tired, get off the road; don't try to get home faster.
You should limit the number of passengers, as well as the level of activity inside the car. Most states' graduated driver licensing laws prohibit teens from having teenage passengers in the car with them during their early months of driving solo. Driving with friends can create a dangerous driving environment because novice drivers are focused on their friends rather than the road.
Avoid eating while driving. Being busy is no excuse for distracted driving. Finishing your breakfast on the way to work or school may seem like a time-saver, but it means you are less attentive to the drivers around you. Food spills are a major cause of distraction.
Do your multi-tasking outside the car. Everyone spends a lot of time in their vehicles, and it may seem like the perfect time to get little things done: calling friends, searching for good music, maybe even text messaging. Don't do it. Focus on the road and the drivers around you. Get everything settled before you start driving.
Reducing stress on the road
There are several ways you can reduce stress on your journey.
If you think that you’ll get stuck in traffic, or that you might be late, you may get stressed out.
Plan your route beforehand, avoid peak times when possible, or even try traveling at slightly different times of the day.
Leaving 15-20 minutes earlier, or later, can potentially transform your journey depending on where you’re going.
Make sure your satnav is up-to-date too, as certain streets might be closed and check on mobile map apps for any live disruptions.
You can also use these to explore the location of arrival for parking options.