DON'T MIX ALCOHOL AND DRIVING, "WELL DUH!"

When I think of the risks of drinking and driving, the thought, "Well duh!" goes through my head.  Everyone knows how stupid it is to mix alcohol and car keys.  Unfortunately, some still haven't got the message, so if you are one of them, here is a "Well Duh!" message for you!

A National Highway Traffic Safety Administration study indicates that nearly 12,000 people died in automobile crashes involving alcohol consumption in the United States in 2008. This tragic statistic represents an average of one alcohol-related auto accident death every 45 minutes. Tougher DWI laws are one answer to reduce these losses. Educating drivers on alcohol awareness is another important step. The following educational tips about drinking and driving are important to remember and to pass on to young drivers.

• Never drink and drive. Be aware that neither coffee, exercise, nor a cold shower will sober up a drinker. Only the passage of time will do so. If a person does drink, a nondrinking driver should be designated.
• Apply a zero-tolerance policy to alcohol and young drivers. Young drivers are particularly at risk to be involved in alcohol-related crashes.
• Steer clear of impaired persons on the road and report these incidents to the police as soon as safely possible. Drivers under the influence of alcohol display certain driving characteristics, such as weaving or swerving, driving very slow or very fast, braking erratically, and driving after dark without headlights.
• Wear a seat belt and utilize defensive driving techniques, as these are the best defenses against an alcohol-impaired driver.
• Try to avoid driving in the early morning hours of the day, particularly on weekends due to a heightened exposure to impaired drivers. 

EXERCISE CAUTION WITH YOUR ATV

Image via Wikipedia

Over 16 million Americans enjoy the experience of operating an all-terrain vehicle (ATV). Unfortunately, approximately 600 people die each year and nearly 122,000 are injured each year due to ATV accidents. Injuries and accidents are particularly common for children under age 16. If you own an ATV or operate one, you should advise your insurance agent accordingly to verify that you have proper liability and physical damage coverage in place. In addition, the following safety tips should be followed.

• Children should be allowed to operate only age-appropriate or "youth" ATVs.  Most youth ATV-related deaths and injuries occur while operating "adult" ATVs.  No child under age 6 should ever be allowed to ride or operate an ATV.
  
• Most ATVs are designed for only one person, so children should not take on passengers or be passengers on their parents' ATV.
  
• ATVs should not be driven on paved roads. Because of how they are designed, ATVs are difficult to control on paved roads. Collisions with other vehicles on the road can prove fatal.
  
• ATV operators should never drive an ATV without a helmet. Wearing a certified motorcycle helmet can dramatically decrease the chances of a head injury while operating the ATV.
  
• All operators should complete a "hands on" ATV training course.  A single class is estimated to be equal to one year of experience. Reputable ATV dealers often provide these classes free of charge to their customers.