2021
April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month
Did you know that driving is more dangerous than ever? On a typical day, eight people are killed and hundreds more are injured in distraction-affected crashes. The theme for Distracted Driving Awareness Month 2022 is "Just Drive" — a simple yet critically important message.
Learn more from the National Safety Council.
Week 4: April 25-30
Understanding driver distraction
Buckle up and phone down every drive.
Week 3: April 18-24
Keep your eyes on the prize
Driving distraction-free is a lifelong commitment.
Download the Safety Talk and the Presentation
Watch Carlos Rosario’s moving story about distracted driving.
Week 2: April 11-17
So you think you can multitask?
Don't fool yourself - multitasking is a myth!
Download the policy template and access the free NSC Safe Driving Kit for a policy guide.
Get the posters here and here.
Get the infographics here and here.
Week 1: April 1-10
Do your part for safe driving for yourself and your fellow drivers
Commit to driving distraction-free by taking the NSC "Just Drive" pledge!
Why “just” isn’t an excuse to drive distracted and share the three steps for setting up a safe drive.
National Work Zone Awareness Week: April 11-15
Did you know that in 2019, 842 people were killed in 762 fatal work zone crashes, according to the most recent data available from workzonesafety.org?
Your vigilance and caution can help to save lives and prevent injuries to everyone in your vehicle and road workers.
Learn more on the official NWZAW website.
NWZAW New Event: Moment of Silence on April 15
Please observe a moment of silence at the office or at home to remember those who lost their lives in a work zone incident.
You can prevent injuries and death in work zones through better awareness and observance of all driving rules. Let's band together to keep drivers and workers safe year-round.
Happy Holidays 2021: Please Stay Safe on the Road!
A fun but serious reminder to enjoy the holidays safely from the NHTSA.
The easy takeaway from this image is that each of us must take responsbility for our actions on the road - don't leave it to others. Your good judgement and vigilance while operating a vehicle might be the deciding factor/slim margin between staying safe and healthy and serious injury (even death). Don't let yourself or someone in your family become a statistic through impaired, distracted or just plain reckless driving.
Now that we have that out of the way, Happy Holidays to one and all from DriverSafetyLinks.com!
Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over: Dec. 15, 2021 - Jan. 1, 2022
At this point, the dangers of drunk driving are well-established - even if individuals choose to ignore them because they can "manage the risk." Guess what? You can't, because that's the nature of imparied driving. It's simply not worth the potential for injury or death for yourself, passengers and fellow drivers.
The message is quite simple: DON'T DO IT. Stay overnight, get a designated driver or just remain at home if you can't manage to
avoid alcohol when you need to operate a vehicle.
There is a wealth of information on this topic to read and share on the
Traffic Safety Marketing website.
Happy Holidays and stay safe on the road!
Happy Thanksgiving and Drive Safely!
It's no secret that the extra traffic around holidays raises the level of risk for everyone on the road. However, since driving travel is ramping up to pre-pandemic levels this Thanksgiving,
it's even more important to review these great safety reminders:
Stay Safe on the Road - Red Cross
What to Expect If You're Traveling This Thanksgiving (2021) - AAA
Thanksgiving - Buckle Up - Travel Safety Marketing
Fall Driving Safety Tips
Now that fall is in full swing and the weather is taking a turn for the worse, check out:
"How to Avoid Hitting a Deer" courtesy of Erie Insurance (everyone in PA is probably familiar with this hazard).
Fall Driving Safety Tips from PennDOT (watch out for those pesky leaves - the colors are nice, but they can make the road VERY slick).
2021 National School Bus Safety Week: October 18-22
Everyone should be well aware of how important it for drivers to obey the "Stop" signs when children are boarding or existing a school bus — as well as remaining attentive where parents and kids are gathering to start or end the school day.
Learn all about how to keep children safe on the National Association for Pupil Transportation's official National School Bus Safety Week page.
Labor Day Weekend 2021
The amount of traffic and travel that will occur this Labor Day weekend is uncertain due to the pandemic, but it's important to keep in mind that this is typically one of the most dangerous driving time frames of the year.
The National Safety Council provides a summary of Labory Day injury facts.
Stay aware to stay safe and enjoy the U.S. holiday weekend!
Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over: August 2021
Not to sound like a broken record, but here's another basic driving behavior/point of individual responsibility that everyone should follow — but doesn't.The dangers associated with drunk and impaired driving are well-known and documented, so please do your part. Take responsibility for your actions and try to help others who may not be making safe choices. Remember, drunk driving is a deadly epidemic that takes the lives of more than 10,000 people each year, on average.
Learn more about the dangers of drunk driving from the National Traffic Safety Administration.
Stop on Red Week 2021: Aug. 2-8
It might seem ridiculously simple and obvious, but clearly it's not.
Red-light-runners cause hundreds of deaths and tens of thousands of injuries each year.
Visit the National Coalition for Safer Roads official Stop on Red Week site to learn more about this important topic.
July is Vehicle Theft Prevention Month
Did you know that over 700,000 drivers are a victim of vehicle theft each year?
Yes, we watch where we park and lock our vehicles, but it's one of those things that most
people think "won't happen to me."
To reduce the likelihood of vehicle theft, visit the official NHTSA Vehicle Theft Prevention Page.
National Work Zone Awareness Week: April 26-30
This annual spring campaign is held at the start of construction season to encourage safe driving through highway work zones.
Please remember to ALWAYS pay attention in work zones and when you encournter any activity (emergency and police vehicles at accident scenes, disabled vehicles, towing, etc.) taking place on or near roadways.
Your vigilance and caution can save lives and prevent injuries.
Learn more on the official NWZAW website.
Two Wheels or Four Wheels: Safety Matters!
May is focused on how motorcyclists, bicyclists and motorists all share responsibility for traffic safety.
April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month
The theme for Distracted Driving Awareness Month 2021 is "Just Drive" —
a simple yet critically important message.
Learn more from the National Safety Council.
Don't Drive Distracted - EVER!
If you use your cell phone while driving, you’re taking your eyes off the road.
Distracted driving can be deadly.
#JustDrive
If your driver is distracted or doing something dangerous, you have the right to speak up!
You and everyone else on the road should get home safely.
#JustDrive
Multitasking is a myth.
Never drive and use your phone at the same time.
It’s not worth a crash.
#JustDrive
A dangerous distraction is coming from inside your own car – your cell phone!
Get set up when you get in your car because your life is worth more than any call, text or playlist.
#JustDrive
Distracted Driving Prevention Videos
Distractions can be deadly. Set up your car before you start your trip, then #JustDrive.
Learn more from the National Safety Council.
“For your life, your passengers, or for those around you on the road, put your phone down.”
Distracted driving took Camryn, Michelle Lunsford’s only child.
Michelle’s message: A bad decision can cost you your life. #JustDrive.
Learn more from the National Safety Council.
Recommended Websites
Visit this excellent resource to learn more about a topic that impacts everyone’s safety – distracted driving.
Distacted Driving Can Happen During Any Season
Spring is almost here, but distracted driving doesn't have a season - it can take anytime.
Did you know? At 55 miles per hour, sending or reading a text is like driving the length
of a football field with your eyes closed.
Coronavirus Information
The official U.S. resource for news and updates on the Coronavirus (COVID 19):
Remember to Stay Safe in December
The holiday season is upon us once again, and we're all looking forward to a little holiday cheer after a challenging 2020.
However, along with the good times comes heightened responsibility for drivers, which means remaining vigilant, unimpaired and undistracted on the roads. Not to mention that we're supposed to be staying at home as much as possible …
Check out the important reminders below and please share these important messages.
Wishing everyone a joyous, prosperous, happy — and most importantly — SAFE holiday season!
2020
"Tie One On For Safety": Nov. 1-Dec. 31
According to the NSC, car accidents resulting in injuries and fatalities rise during holidays/holiday seasons — and alcohol can play a major role.
Visit the MADD “Tie One On For Safety” page to learn how you can help to address this issue.
Drowsy Driving Prevention Week: Nov. 1-8
We've all done it; driving home after a long day at work, a late night, pushing to reach a destination — or even a short trip when we're just a little tired.
Check out DrowsyDriving.org for specific information on risks and prevention, and visit SleepFoundation.org for a wealth of information on the importance of good sleep — and how to get it.
2020 National School Bus Safety Week: October 19-23
1. Obey all traffic laws and signals when near a school bus.
2. Watch for children - they are not always aware of traffic.
Visit the National School Bus Safety week page to learn more.
National Teen Driver Safety Week: October 18-24
Driving is serious business for all drivers, but teens are particularly at risk. In fact, did you know that crashes are still the leading cause of teen deaths?
Visit the official NHTSA resource page to learn how to educate and protect teen drivers.
October is Car Safety Month
Is your vehicle ready for the harsh winter weather and driving conditions?
Visit the official BeCareCareAware page for resources and a downloadable checklist.
October Is National Pedestrian Safety Month
Pedestrians and drivers share a mutual responsibility to look out for each other; remember, "Everyone is a Pedestrian."
Visit the official NHTSA resource page for driver and pedestrian tips.
Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over: Aug. 19-23
Did you know? Drunk driving is a deadly epidemic that takes the lives of more than 10,000 people each year, on average.
We all know the dangers posed by drunk and impaired driving, so let’s make sure that we are all part of the solution. Take responsibility for your actions and try to help others who may not be making safe choices.
Learn more about the dangers of drunk driving from the National Traffic Safety Administration.
National Stop on Red Week: Aug. 2-8
Did you know? Between 2004-2018, an estimated 11,877 people were killed in crashes related to red-light running according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In 2018, 846 people were killed, and an estimated 139,000 were injured in crashes involving red-light running. IIHS found that about half of red-light running crash deaths involve pedestrians, cyclists and occupants in vehicles struck by the red-light runners.
Learn more about the “Stop on Red” initiative sponsored by the National Coalition for Safer Roads. Obeying all signals and signs is a simple thing that can prevent injury ... or worse.
June is National Safety Month
Distracted driving is one of the National Safety Council’s four focus topics for 2020.
National Work Zone Awareness Week: April 20-24
A great way to remind everyone of the importance of keeping road workers — and users — safe. We're in this together!
2019
Best Wishes for a Happy and Safe 2020 from DriveSafetyLinks.com
A few reminders to keep safe driving top of mind through the holiday season and beyond:
Study: The most dangerous places to be driving on New Year’s Eve
Older Driver Safety Awareness Week: December 2-6
The American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc. has created materials to help families understand, talk about and manage the specific risks that impact senior drivers.
Learn more about Older Driver Safety Awareness Week.
Holiday Reminder: Impaired Driving
Visit the U.S. Department of Transportation's "Drive Sober" and Traffic Safety Marketing websites for information that can help you and your family, friends and relatives prevent death or injury and stay safe during the holiday season.
Drowsy Driving Prevention Week: Nov. 3-10
Many drivers take to the roads when they're not well-rested; the result is that they are not fully
alert and prepared to handle the complex decisions required to protect themselves and others.
It's far more common that you think - are you part of the problem?
Learn more about Drowsy Driving Prevention Week.
National School Bus Safety Week: Oct. 21-25
It's everyone's responsiblity — including students — to help promote and maintain school bus safety.
This year's theme is "My School Bus, The Safest Form of Student Transportation!"
National Teen Driver Safety Week: Oct. 20-26
Statistics don't lie: It's clear that that teens needs to learn the "Rules for the Road" to help them stay safe.
National Child Passenger Safety Week: Sept. 15-21
"Every 32 seconds in 2017, one child under the age of 13 in a passenger vehicle was involved in a crash. Many times, injuries and deaths can be prevented by proper use of car seats, boosters, and seat belts." - NHTSA
What's more important than a child's safety?
Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over: Aug. 16-Sept. 2
This yearly campaign is a strong reminder that the best way to avoid the many serious consequences of drinking and driving is simply: "Don't do it."
Learn more about the NHTSA's Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign.
Stop On Red Week: Aug. 4-10
The National Coalition for Safer Roads' "Stop On Red Week" is focused on helping to improve awareness of the critical need to obey red lights. This may seem like driving 101, but be honest
with yourself; have you run a red light recently — or come close to it?
Each day of this week emphasizes different safety aspects, useful statistics and information.
Learn more about Stop on Red Week 2009
July is Vehicle Theft Prevention Month
Did you know that more than three-quarters of a million vehicles were stolen in the U.S. in 2017?
Let's face it, if your vehicle is gone, you will have to learn how to walk or bike safely.
National Safety Month, Week 4: Impairment
Impaired driving can be caused by risks beyond what most of us would typically consider; for example, prescription and over-the-counter medications can lead
to significant impairment.
National Safety Month, Week 3: Fatigue
Getting enough rest? If not, you may be putting yourself and others at risk on the road.
Sleep is vitally important to general good health; specifically, it promotes alertness and
peak cognitive function — helping you to make the right decisions while driving.
After you take a nap, check out the NSC's Week #3 links to learn more.
National Safety Month: June 2019
The NSC's National Safety Month offers a wealth of safety information; weeks three "Fatigue" and four "Impairment" are of particular interest to drivers.
Global Youth Traffic Safety Month: May 2019
"Traffic crashes remain the #1 killer of teens – and summer is still the deadliest season for U.S. youth on the roads." National Organizations for Youth Safety
Global Youth Traffic Safety Month seeks to educate everyone – particularly young drivers – on how to help reduce their risk.
Motorcycle Safety Month: May 2019
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Motorcycle Safety Month is designed to help motorcyclists and motorists share the road, watch out for each other, and learn and follow best practices for safe driving.
National Work Zone Awareness Week: April 8-12, 2019
Work zone safety is something that all drivers should take seriously during the long road construction season.
It's very simple to help keep construction workers, fellow drivers and yourself safe by using a little extra caution and common sense – along with following all posted signs and traffic direction from flaggers.
"Drive like you work here."
Distracted Driving Awareness Month: April 2019
"Distracted Driving Awareness Month in April is a united effort to recognize the dangers of and eliminate preventable deaths from distracted driving. Join us to help save lives." National Safety Council
Make it a point to recognize and eliminate driving distractions anytime you are behind the
wheel.
Lyft and Uber Safety Infographic
View the full infographic to learn more about these popular ride-sharing services.
How NOT to Drive in Winter Weather
Despite Punxsutawney Phil's prediction of an early spring, it seems the
inclement weather may hang around for a while ...
Read Erie Insurance's "How NOT to Drive in Winter Weather" to help you
make it through the last stretch of winter.
2018
Happy Holidays and Stay Safe
Best wishes for the holiday season and new year — and a reminder that the best way for everyone to be happy and healthy is to drive safely!
Read the National Safety Council’s Holiday Travel Tips
December 2018 is National Impaired Driving Prevention Month
Did you know that there is a Presidential Proclamation on this topic for 2018?
Visit the U.S. Department of Transportation's "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over"
Holiday Season campaign page for a wealth of resources to help your workplace, organization or family prevent death or injury during the holiday season.
Don't Be A Turkey On The Road This Thanksgiving
To help you prepare for a busy travel day, check out a comprehensive
“Stress-Free Guide to Thanksgiving Travel” from Erie Insurance.
Happy Thanksgiving from DriverSafetyLinks.com!
Drowsy Driving Prevention Week Nov. 4-11, 2018
Visit the National Sleep Foundation to learn how being tired while operating a vehicle — probably a more common behavior than most of us would like to admit — might be more dangerous than you realize.
Additional information:
National Safety Council: Drowsy Driving is Impaired Driving
Top 4 Fall Driving Hazards (And How to Handle Them)
Read Erie Insurance's tips on how to stay safe on the road this fall.
P.S. - Tip 5 - don't be distracted by the colorful foliage!
National Teen Driver Safety Week Oct. 21-27, 2018
It's no secret that teens are at a high risk behind the wheel. Their inexperience makes them highly susceptible to numerous distracted driving behaviors in addition to speeding, lack of seat belt use and many other unsafe driving practices.
Visit the National Teen Driver Safety Week “Rules of the Road” campaign webpage to learn more.
National School Bus Safety Week Oct. 15-19, 2018
National School Bus Safety Week is an active and evolving public education program - and an excellent way for parents, students, teachers, motorists, school bus operators, school administrators and other interested parties to join forces and address the importance of school bus safety.
Visit the National Association for Pupil Transportation to learn more.
Labor Day Weekend 2018: August 31 – September 3
Simple precautions such as wearing seat belts, staying sober and remaining
alert can help to make this a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend for everyone.
Review the National Safety Council's Labor Day Injury Facts
August 2018
Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over
August 17-September 3, 2018
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
National Safety Month Week 4: Driving
Check out the National Safety Council's extensive safe driving resources
June 2018
Memorial Day Weekend: May 2018
This is one of the three most dangerous driving days of year in the United States. Learn more about the risks and how to manage them:
More Than 400 Roadway Deaths Estimated During Memorial Day Weekend For Second Straight Year
5 Memorial Day Driving Safety Tips
May 2018 Driver Safety Observances
Three major observances in May, targeted at very specifc at-risk groups.
Global Youth Traffic Safety Month
Sponsored by the National Organizations for Youth Safety
April 2018 Driver Safety Observances
Even if the weather isn't quite cooperating yet in North America, spring is officially here – and that equals more time on the road with heavier traffic and lots of construction. Check out the resources below for some excellent driving safety tips and reminders.
National Work Zone Awareness Week: April 9-13, 2018
Sponsored by the American Traffic Safety Services Association
2017
Drinking and Driving During Christmas in the United Kingdom: Infographic 2017
This infographic shows how impaired driving due to alcohol during the holidays would have a similar negative impact in your country.
Winter and Holiday Driving Update
IIt's official - winter is here, and that means driving on snow and ice-covered roads. Review some quick tips to help manage the risk:
Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over: November 24 - December 31, 2017
Do the right thing and stay sober if you are going to drive during the holiday season - and the rest of the year as well.
National Teen Driver Safety Week: October 15-21
Driver safey is important for everyone all of the time - but teen drivers are particulary at risk. Safe driving practices and skills will "last a lifetime."
Resources:
Drive Safely Work Week: October 2-6
Work and driving - basically inseperable, aren't they? Driving to work, for work, from work ... all three can put you in some very tiring, frustrating and dangerous situations. Check out these resources to refresh your driving knowledge and good habits and practices.
Child Passenger Safety Week: September 17-23
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Ad Council have created a series of compelling child passenger safety public safety ads to help improve awareness of how to keep kids of every age safe.
In addition, don't forget that September 23 is National Seat Check Saturday.
Labor Day 2017: Drive Smart and Stay Safe
The Labor Day weekend traditionally marks the end of the summer driving season, as most people have used their vacation and the kids are back in school. However, this "last road trip" holiday weekend also makes it one of the most dangerous travel periods of the year. The National Safety Council is predicting that it could be one of the most dangerous since 2008, with the possibility for more than 400 fatalities.
The good news is that there is a lot that you can do to avoid becoming a statistic, so learn more about the facts and some great safety tips in the NSC's Labor Day 2017 blog post.
Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" campaign runs from August 18 - September 3.
Did you know that an average of 10,000 people dying each year as a result of drunk driving? Or that this number increased 3.2 percent between 2014 and 2015?
Drunk driving remains a cricial drivery safety issue, so please be proactive about helping anyone who is impaired to avoid getting behind the wheel.
July Update
Hopefully everyone had a safe, fun and relaxing Fourth of July, which typically sees a lot of traffic on the roads. Unfortunately, this also makes it the deadliest day of the year for drivers.
As a reminder that any holiday can put drivers at risk, check out this short article from the National Safety Council. The statistics are shocking and the safety tips are applicable every time you get behind the wheel – not just on holidays.
National Safety Month Update
Two new items worth highlighting:
GO ORANGE – Pennsylvania's Construction Safety Zone Awareness Campaign
Drive2Win – A website based on a free app that encourages users to avoid distracted driving behaviors (reader submission).
June is National Safety Month
There are many important safety topics that the National Safety Council is working to promote this month (and are well worth checking out), but the most relevant to this site is the "Safety on the Road" campaign.
It contains lots of great information, particuarly some compelling facts about multitasking that may surpise you!
Watch Out For Your Fellow Travellers On Two Wheels
As highlighted with last month's National Work Zone Awareness Week observance, it's critical to pay attention to the safety of those who are working to maintain roads and highways.
In a similar vein, motorcyclists and bicyclists (who are expected to be as careful as those on four wheels) are often harder to see for most motorists and run a high risk of injury in the event of a mishap. So everyone needs to watch out for each other and responsibly share the road.
Spring Into Safe Driving
April is the month most associated with Spring; in the U.S., this generally means warmer weather, rain, more driving – and lots of road construction and repair.
It’s a great time to remind ourselves to stay focused (National Distracted Driving Awareness Month) and to obey all posted signs in work zone areas (National Work Zone Awareness Week).
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