The Tennessee Highway Safety Office and the Tennessee Highway Patrol participated in the state’s first “Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day,” which is a nationwide campaign that asks those out on the road, including cyclists and pedestrians, to exercise safety and prevent fatal car accidents.
So far this year, 778 lives have been lost to fatal traffic accidents in Tennessee.
HOW CAN I HELP “PUT THE BRAKES” ON TRAFFIC FATALITIES?
In terms of enforcement, the Tennessee Highway Office has helped local agencies step it up by helping to better keep drunk drivers off the road, make sure every is wearing a seatbelt and increasing traffic safety education efforts. However, there are steps drivers can take to help make sure everyone stays safe while on the road, including the following:
- Yellow lights are not invitations to speed up – Technically, a yellow light means stop. You’re only allowed to drive through a yellow light if you’re already in the middle of the intersection or stopping would be hazardous.
- Use caution when turning right on red – Do not make the turn unless it is legal and safe to do so. Come to a complete stop and yield to oncoming traffic. Make sure there are no bicyclists passing on your right before turning.
- Put the phone down – Or any other distraction for that matter. Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents.
- Drive sober or not at all – If you’ve had anything to drink, don’t risk your life or the lives of others on the road by choosing to get behind the wheel. Call a friend for a ride, walk or call a cab.
- Obey the posted speed limits – For every mile per hour over the speed limit that you drive, the likelihood of you being in or causing an accident increases roughly 5 percent, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Stanley A. Davis is a Nashville personal injury attorney who fights for those injured in car accidents. We have been helping people in Tennessee since 1997.
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2
Source: https://chattanoogan.com/2016/10/11/333794/Tennessee-Highway-Safety-Office-Asks.aspx