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Motor Vehicle Safety

January 3, 2018 by EveryWoman Southeast

Motor Vehicle Safety
Here we are, approaching the end of another year. Can you believe it? As many of us prepare for the holidays and the fun (or not-so-fun) weather this season brings, and with some of us traveling near and far to visit friends and loved ones, we wanted to take a moment to focus on motor vehicle safety.
For Women Traveling Alone

When women drive alone, car crashes aren’t the only risk we face. Unfortunately, carjacking, abduction, and falling prey to a police impersonator all pose additional hazards for women. While it’s important not to be overly fearful of these things while driving, it’s smart to be on the lookout for trouble and to be prepared if you’re confronted.

One way to stay safe when traveling solo is to be careful where you park. Find a well-lit spot or parking lot, and avoid places where few other vehicles are parked. Lock your car, and memorize or jot down its location. Other ways to stay safe include: having your keys handy to lock or unlock your door; paying attention to vehicles near yours; and avoiding playing Good Samaritan, particularly in remote locations. Have directions handy whenever you’re going somewhere new, and always let someone know where you’re going and when you plan to arrive, especially if going on a long trip. The back-up person can alert police quickly if you fail to return on schedule, saving critical time — and perhaps your life.

Finally, most all of us want to be law-abiding citizens, but if you’re being pulled over by an unmarked police car and you don’t think you’ve done anything wrong or think the “officer” looks suspicious, call 911 and ask for the local police authority. They should be able to tell you whether unmarked cars are patrolling your area. If you’re still not sure, turn on your dome light and wave to acknowledge that you see them. Then drive slowly to a well-lit, populated area — a gas station or convenience store, for example — before pulling to a stop. Don’t leave your car or roll down the window. Make sure the officer is in uniform and have them show their official identification card (not just a badge).

 
Driving While Drowsy
If you’ve ever gotten behind the wheel while feeling drowsy, you’re not alone. Sixty percent of adults in the U.S. have done it and around one-third of people have actually fallen asleep at the wheel. This usually happens when a driver hasn’t slept enough (like when you have a new baby), but it can also happen due to untreated sleep disorders, medications, drinking alcohol, shift work, or even pregnancy-related fatigue. Though driving tired may seem relatively harmless, it has serious consequences. Similar to driving drunk, driving while sleepy makes drivers less able to pay attention to the road, slows reaction time if you have to brake or steer suddenly, and affects a driver’s ability to make good decisions.
Whenever you’re driving, you can stay safe by watching for signs of drowsiness: trouble focusing, heavy eyelids, an inability to remember the last stretch of road that you just drove, yawning constantly, bobbing your head, and drifting from your lane. If this starts to happen while you’re driving, pull over if you can do so safely and take a 20-minute nap or buy a cup of caffeinated coffee to help keep you alert. If you have someone else in the car, switch drivers. If taking a long trip, consider driving during your most alert period of the day (like in the morning, instead of late at night).
 
Buckle Up for Safety
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), seat belts reduce the risk of death in vehicle accidents by around 50%. If you’re pregnant, w earing your seat belt can protect you and your baby from injury or death in the event of a car crash. Visit familydoctor.org to learn how to wear a seat belt correctly during pregnancy.
In addition to women being safe in a motor vehicle, children’s safety is also of utmost importance. Motor vehicle injuries are a leading cause of death among children in the US, but many of these deaths can be prevented. Children should be properly buckled in a car seat, booster seat, or seat belt, whichever is appropriate for their age, height and weight. The following graphic from the CDC can help parents identify the seat that’s best for their child.

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