Driving Safety for Commerical Drivers

Driving Safety Topic: Drowsy & Distracted Driving

NHTSA's programs to combat distracted and drowsy driving employs both educational and technological solutions. Education programs are directed toward specific subpopulations as well as the general driving public.

Aggressive Driving

Aggressive driving has become a serious problem on our roadways. What is aggressive driving? Most of us know it when we see it, but NHTSA, after discussions with law enforcement and the judiciary, defines aggressive driving as occurring when "an individual commits a combination of moving traffic offenses so as to endanger other persons or property." NHTSA provides guides, planners and information to law enforcement professionals and prosecutors to assist in the reduction of aggressive driving.

Fog Driving Safety Tips

* Drive with lights on LOW beam. High beams will reflect off the fog, creating a "white wall" effect.

* Reduce your speed - and watch your speedometer. Fog creates a visual illusion of slow motion when you may actually be speeding.

* Avoid crossing traffic lanes.

* Travel with the drivers window partially open. Listen for traffic.

* Watch for CHP pace cars to guide you.

* If your car is disabled or you cant continue, pull well onto the shoulder and turn off lights. Move away from your vehicle.

* Consider postponing your trip until the fog lifts.

Safe Driving Tips

Buckle up, it's our law Montana has one of the highest highway fatality rates in the nation. Some of the very things that draw people to Montana pose driving hazards you need to be aware of.

* Most fatal crashes involve a single vehicle leaving the road and overturning or hitting something.

* In 1998 alone, over 500 drivers fell asleep at the wheel and were involved in crashes. Distances between towns can be long and travel can be monotonous. Take a break, whether at a community or a rest area. If you drink, have a sober designated driver.

* Twenty to forty percent of all crashes occur under icy or snowy conditions. Severe weather and road conditions can happen in any month of the year.

* The wildlife that draws so many visitors poses a formidable road hazard. Hundreds of collisions with animals occur each year. They're most common in early morning and late afternoon and evening when animals are moving from forage to cover.

* Night-time crash rates are much higher than those that occur during the day. Realize your headlights limit your sight distance. Adjust your speed to account for reduced visibility and the very real possibility of encountering an animal, a stalled vehicle, or other objects in your path. More....

Safety Training:

Driving Safety for Commercial Drivers Video Programs