Top 12 Safety Issues for 2012

January 10, 2012

Recommended by 5 People

By Jay Shelly, Vice President at Center for transportation Safety

Below are 12 safety issues that the Center for Transportation Safety, a PHH Arval company, believes will be top of mind in 2012. It was recently featured in Fleet Management Weekly.

1. Cell Phone Use: This year, it is expected that cell phone use will surpass drinking and driving as the leading cause of road crashes and fatalities.
2. Distractions: As much as we believe we are always in control, research shows that multi-tasking while driving a vehicle is dangerous – for anyone.
3. Drinking and Driving: Never drink and drive, regardless of how skilled you think you are. You cannot operate a vehicle while impaired. Additionally, you could find yourself facing a felony charge and possible jail sentence if convicted of drinking and driving.
4. Fatigue: As society continues to do more in less time, fatigued driving is a growing issue. Fatigue and impairment are very similar in their effects on a person – for example, 24 hours without sleep is equivalent to a blood alcohol content of .08, which in all states makes it illegal to drive.
5. 360 Degree Awareness: The space we share with others on the road is the safety zone in which we travel. Being aware and properly adjusting your mirrors allows you to see even small spots that are critical to determine the distance to others.
6. Speeding: The leading cause of fatal crashes is excessive speed for various road conditions – such as inclement weather or construction.
7. Seatbelts: "Buckle up" may be the law, but current statistics show that 51 percent of all fatal victims from vehicle crashes were unrestrained.
8. Intersections: Care must be taken at intersections, where 60 percent of all crashes occur.
9. Space Management: Understanding the amount of distance your vehicle needs to stop is critical at all times.
10. Load Securement: Regardless of whether you are operating your private vehicle or a commercial vehicle, it is very important to keep cargo, luggage, bikes, racks and other items properly secured. A loose item creates dangers for you and others on the road.
11. Internal Cargo: The third highest cause of vehicle incidents is the driver reaching for something or someone that may have moved. For example, a misplaced cup or CD, or reaching for a child can result in harm to you and others.
12. Seasonal Driving Awareness: Inclement weather affects all areas of the country. Wind, rain, ice and snow impact your reaction time and the vehicle’s ability to respond. Understanding how to navigate these variances can keep you safe.

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