REPRESENTATIVE TERRY BROWN
Driver awareness leads to safer roads

As the summer tourism industry here in the Thumb cranks up and our roads fill with cars, trailers, campers and motorcycles, I encourage everyone to drive safely. This year, June is the National Safety Council's National Safety Month which, in part, focuses on driving safety. I think all of us could take a moment to examine our driving habits so everyone comes home alive.

Safer driving practices ultimately save lives, and it takes responsible drivers doing their part to create safer roads. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 41,059 people were killed in more than 6 million motor vehicle traffic crashes reported to police in 2007 – that's an average of 112 people dying each day in motor vehicle crashes. In those accidents, nearly 2.5 million people were injured and over 4 million of the crashes involved property damage only. The economic cost alone of motor vehicle crashes in 2000 was $230.6 billion.

One area of concern for road safety is teen drivers. I can attest to that – as a motorist and a father. The statistics for teens behind the wheel are sobering. According to the NSC, traffic crashes are the leading cause of teen fatalities, with an estimated 38 percent of all teen deaths occurring from crashes. The NHTSA reported that in 2005, motor vehicle crashes were the leading cause of death for every age from three through six, and eight through 34. In addition to an overall lack of experience behind the wheel, speeding, cell phone use and alcohol are some of the leading factors that play into the risks of young drivers. To help, you can take opportunities to support young drivers in your family to learn safe driving practices and encourage them to sharpen their skills as your chauffeur - they could use your guidance.

Distracted drivers of all ages can be dangerous on the road. Today, our lives and our cars are packed with new gadgets from iPods to cell phones. With these devices come distractions. The NSC, again, reminds us that cell phone use while driving, and other forms of distracted driving, account for 80 percent of all crashes. Although inconvenient, these statistics ought to prompt us to pull over to a safe location and put our vehicles in park when using our cell phones.

Another good habit for drivers is a zero-tolerance policy for alcohol and drug use. According to the NHTSA, there were 12,998 alcohol-impaired related fatalities in 2007. As we all know, drunken driving is illegal and extremely dangerous, while being completely avoidable. If you choose to drink, be responsible and plan ahead with a designated driver. If your loved ones choose to drink, it would be a good idea to offer to be a designated driver – no questions asked.

Responsible drivers ultimately lead to safer roads which benefit us all. As you head out on the roads this summer, keep in mind that not only can you set a good example for other drivers – especially our teenagers – you can prevent accidents by being a responsible driver.

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State Representative Terry Brown represents the 84th House District, which consists of Huron and Tuscola counties. To contact him, call (888) 254-5284 or e-mail terrybrown@house.mi.gov. To subscribe to his e-newsletter, visit his Web site, house.mi.gov/tbrown.