Every day more than 500 children lose their lives in traffic crashes globally. Thousands are injured.
Every. Single. Day.
As a mom, it’s horrifying that so many children lose their lives. As a human being, it’s horrifying that so many children lose their lives. Families are changed forever in an instant with every one of those crashes.
Do you know what’s so upsetting to me about these statistics?
Many of them are preventable. Which brings me to the why of this post- encouraging ALL of us- you, me, the guy down the hall, and the lady across the street, to steer ourselves in a safer direction together. On September 3rd, with our friends at Progressive, let’s hopefully begin new, safer driving habits for all of us.
I am not the one who finds these statistics. I’m not the one who analyzes the data. But I am one of the billions of drivers who get behind a wheel on a regular basis who has a CHOICE I can make every single time I get behind the wheel.
So are you.
We can drastically impact how many kids are hurt, killed, families changed, simply by giving the vehicle and the road our full attention. We can start to make the roads safer with a few changes.
Drive the Speed Limit
I swear, those signs aren’t “fun suggestions” or a minimum. They are limits and they are there for a reason. If you leave late, call and inform the person(s) waiting for you at the end of your trip that you are running late. Drive the limit. The extra bonus to driving the speed limit? You’re not only keeping the roads safer, but you’re using less gas!
Leave on time
One thing that will likely help us to drive the speed limit is heading out toward our destination in a timely manner. If you’re needing to be at an appointment at 10 and it’s a 30 minute drive, it’s a great idea to leave at 9:20 so that you have a few extra minutes in case of traffic. That way, you don’t feel the pressure of being late and don’t have to step on the gas to make up for lost time.
My dad told us at least eleventy billion times growing up that arriving 5 minutes early to an appointment was late. You need to be in your seat having already hung up your coat at 8:55 for a 9 am appointment, as he taught us. Anything after that is late.
Use your blinkers
Crazy, I know. But when you are going to change lanes, or turn, those blinkers do a great job of making others on the road around you aware that you are going to move your vehicle. When you have finished changing your direction, lane, etc., please, please remember to then turn off your blinkers as well. It’s much less confusing to others around you.
Ladies, let’s put down the mascara, the lipstick and fabulous blush brush you grabbed at a steal.
Gents, if you wear mascara, that’s cool, but let’s skip it when we’re behind the wheel, ok? Save the application of your lash enhancers for parking lots, bathroom mirrors, or anywhere besides the vehicle you are driving. I get it, I like wearing mascara too. My eyelashes don’t really show unless I do. But really, our vanity is not as important as being safe.
Let’s all pledge to put our makeup on and do our hair before we get behind the driver’s seat, or after we get out. Let’s keep the in between times for letting others admire how awesome we look with and without the makeup on.
Wait for a good opening in traffic to turn into a lane
Waiting until there’s a good sized opening to turn into moving traffic is not only safe, it’s also smart. It’s not a race, I promise. I know people are busy and in a hurry to get to their destination but more often than not, someone will let you in – with a friendly wave.
Knees are not for steering.
Let’s repeat this one. Knees are not for steering. Knees are great!! Very functional, help us get around, bendy, and definitely a key body part. But they are NOT meant to steer a vehicle. That’s what your hands are for. Knees don’t have the opposable thumbs like the hands do in order to grip the wheel and navigate today’s busy roads.
Hands are for steering.
Hands are for steering. Holding the wheel. To be taken off when necessary in order to utilize your wipers, or to turn on your signal (oh, those are fun to use, too!)
Interesting fact: Driving with your hands at 10 and 2 aren’t recommended anymore. Because of airbags and how they work, it’s recommended that you drive with your hands at 9 and 3- which is why 9/3 is Drive Safe Today day! Will you pledge with me? Last year, 18,229 of us pledged to have safe car trips. Let’s blow that number out of the water!
Put down the cell phone.
In fact, as Glennon from Momastery says, put it in the glove box! Put it down, put it away, and no peeking. Or, you could do what I do, and put the kids to work. If texts come in they can respond. It’s like a free mobile virtual assistant. (This probably won’t work well if you have children who cannot read). Every single peek is a new opportunity to change another family life forever.
You could also keep the phone in your purse, or your tote bag. If you have a newer car than we do, you may even have a phone that can connect through your vehicle, so use that. If there’s a call that comes, pull over before you touch that phone. I promise you, there’s no text or call that’s important enough to put yourself or others at risk.
Please note, these photos of mine were taken by my 10 year old while I was parked in our driveway.
Playing games on your phone is for the couch. Or the bathroom.
I don’t normally judge, but if you are playing Candy Crush driving down the street, I’m going to judge you all day long. We all have our games on our phones, and that’s cool. But save them for when the ignition is off, or when you are at home. Behind the wheel is not the place to be requesting game help from Facebook friends. Save that for when you are home, so you can focus on sending help requests to others who are playing at the same time 😉
Let’s keep the roads a little safer, shall we? It’s not just my loved ones out there. It’s yours, mine and ours. Let’s pledge to Drive Safe Today. Drive Safe Today Day is an event that shows Progressive’s human side — an observable pursuit outside of providing innovative insurance. The purpose is to affect driving behavior and make the roads a little safer for everyone. This year, it’s on September 3rd. I hope you’ll join me and pledge to be safer. Who knows, maybe it will be the start of a longer pledge to drive safe today every day.
So take the pledge, make a checklist, and tell all of your friends. On 9-3, thousands will put their hands on nine and three and drive on their best behavior. And hey, if we can all drive safer on one particular day, who’s to say we can’t all try to drive a little safer every day thereafter!
This post was written in partnership with Progressive Insurance. I have been compensated, but the thoughts and ideas are my own. For additional driving safety tips, check out Progressive’s Drive Safe Today Day program.
Peachy @ The Peach Kitchen says
We really do need to pay FULL attention to the road when driving and not partial to avoid accidents.
Jennifer Pridemore says
These are all great tips. We need to be safer while on the road. Accidents happen way too often and kill too many lives.
Camesha | Mama Motivator says
These are great reminders. I’m always thrown when I see people trying to do too much behind the wheel. The make up in the morning with the coffee and the cell phone… too much!
Rosey says
I hate to see people playing a game or texting while driving. It’s very dangerous.
chasing Joy says
These are really great tips. I need to make leaving the house on time more of a priority. I am rushing when I’m driving more often than I should.
Crystal says
Those numbers are horrifying! I am so thankful you’re bringing this to our attention. I know there are times when I’m distracted.
Melissa says
I need to make the pledge. I admit to using my cell phone and I need to stop. The other day I saw a mom texting and driving and I was horrified at how it looked.
Ann Bacciaglia says
These statistics are terrible. I put my phone on vibrate and in my purse so it does not distract me when i am driving.
Ora Lee Gurr says
Thanks for the great article on driver safety. The 9-3 position is just different enough to keep me checking once in awhile. All of these are great suggestions, especially the one about leaving at a time to get to the appointment a bit early.
Jeanine says
It’s so scary out there on the road. People just don’t pay enough attention or don’t care. This is a great idea.
Toni | BoulderLocavore says
All great reminders. I see people texting and driving all the time (or they are just staring at their laps!) and it drives me nuts. So high risk and in the end every text can wait (or pull over to text).
Debbie Denny says
Just a few smart choices we make everyday can save lives. Great Reminder.
Felicia says
This definitely is an important post. I am guilty of multi-tasking in the car. Remembering that the precious cargo is so much more important is key!
Christie says
So many women are putting on makeup while driving! So scary to see the texting and internet surfing too!
Pam says
I always see people texting and driving. Once I saw someone reading a newspaper at a red light.
Marcie W. says
I think we could all use some basic reminders on how to drive more safely. I feel texting and talking while driving is a huge problem in our city, despite it being against the law, and also see far too many people speed through school zones.
Isabella Grey says
These tips are great for city driving! Though, out on all the rural roads we have around here, speeding is kind of the law of the land, especially when you live 45 minutes from work, and most of that drive is dirt and sand roads, lol.
Lindsey @ Redhead Baby Mama says
OMG, the blinkers. So many people don’t bother to put them on UNTIL THEY ARE MERGING. People, let me know you want over and I’ll let you in!
Catherine S says
These are all great ways to stay safe on the road. My husband tells me I have lead in my foot so I use the cruise control as much as I can.
Valerie says
It is scary to see the amount of people that are texting and driving. The number of people eating and applying makeup is so much worse though. I worry about others’ driving more than myself!
Liz Mays says
My kids are always reminding me to turn on my blinkers a while before changing lanes. I need to be better about that! I wish more people followed the speed limit on high ways. I rarely see anyone abiding by those signs.
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
I can’t believe the craziness I see on the road. The only thing worse than seeing a person texting while driving is seeing someone actually using their rear view mirror to put on makeup while they’re driving! WTH?!
Kristi says
Some great tips and reminders for all drivers. It is tough out there to drive but then to have to watch out for everyone else really makes it extra tough.
ricci says
Leaving on time is such a big deal for me…if I leave even 5 minutes later than usual I get stuck in traffic. Ugh.
Tami says
It’s terrible the deaths and injuries that have been caused by using a cell phone while driving. I know of a girl that lost her legs and was destined to be a great ballet dancer. Tragic, for sure. Imagine that guilt you’d feel if you had caused that.
Uplifting Families says
These are great tips. I try not to use my cell when driving. I do try to use hands free or get my kids to respond whenever possible. Thank you for sharing such an important message.
Dina says
I’ve been very careful abotu the example I set with the kids in the car with me. I have them read and respond to any texts that come in.
Jeanine says
It’s so scary how people are on the roads. We don’t drive or own a vehicle and I’m a little more than happy about it. It’s so crazy what I see people doing while driving and not paying attention.
Shaney Vijendranath says
The stats is scary. 🙁 I hate texting and driving. Always shout my husband, it’s such a big distraction.
Chubskulit Rose says
It kills me when I see someone swirving arounf the road just because they are texting or putting make on while driving. Thanks for the tips.
Cia | CiaSays.com says
We have, unfortunately, been in a vehicle with our little ones as it was impacted by another car on the road. Thankfully we were all alright and only the vehicle suffered. Still, it was a traumatizing experience for us all.
Mykidsguide says
These are great reminders for new and old drivers. I hate it when I see drivers using their phones while driving.
Annemarie LeBlanc says
I enjoyed reading your post. There are still many of us who are guilty of distracted driving. Your post is a great reminder to keep our hands on the wheel and our eyes on the road.
Rebecca Swenor says
This is a great list of reminders indeed for any driver. What an amazing campaign indeed and it can for sure save many life. It is so important for us all to remember that driving is just for driving. Thanks so much for sharing.
Emily says
Great post! It’s easier to say than to do, but safety when driving should be more important than when we arrive at our destination so even if we are late we should drive like we have plenty of time.
Jenn says
This is a great post. Not only is it good to remind us this on a daily basis but it is even more important as we head into back to school season.
Terry says
People driving with their ear on the cell phone is one of my pet peaves. I refuse to talk on my cell while driving.
rika says
so sad… i see so many drivers drive and text 🙁 they don’t even care about other people. It happens everyday
Aaron says
People really need to drive more safely, especially putting down the phones!
Tammy Woodall says
It really is sad that so many deaths (and injuries) are preventable. Your list of driving safer tips are spot on. I just wish more people would adhere to them.
lisa says
These are all great tips. I drive a large truck so I always have to be super aware when I drive, but I get so irritated and angry with all the ignorant drivers out there.
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
Nothing makes me madder than seeing parents text and drive, especially while their kids are in the car. These tips are things everyone needs to take into consideration.