Improve Your Chance of Getting Where You're Going --- and Back

My husband once owned a small Air Coupe airplane and would use any excuse he could find to head for the airport for an afternoon or early evening flight. He didn't particularly enjoy flying alone, and although he triedhis best to find people willing to jump into his plane at a moment's notice to soar around the sky above our small town, I often found myself to be the only available companion on a given afternoon.

Did I mention that I hate flying? No matter how many hours we logged together, and how many times my husband insisted that statistics prove that flying is safer than driving, I have never become an avid fan.

He was right about one thing. Per mile traveled, flying is safer than driving; and although fatal accidents have decreased over the last few years, the number of automobile accidents continues to increase. I doubt that new inventions such as putting auto-pilot equipment on cars will ever solve the problem of automobile accidents, but there are some things that can be done to lessen the number that do occur each year.

Increase Penalties For DUIA Convictions:

We need to impose automatic and severe penalties for a first DUIA conviction. A large percentage of fatal auto accidents result from one or more of the drivers being under the influence of alcohol. Many of these drivers have been cited over and over for driving under the influenced of alcohol. If the first sentence had brought a severe penalty, drivers would, hopefully, be less likely to repeat the offence. Subsequent offenses should result in revoked driving privileges for a substantial period of time.

Avoid Those "Deadly" Driving Days Whenever Possible:

We should encourage drivers to avoid the "deadly" driving days. Studies show that the 3rd and 4th days of July are the absolute worst for fatal accidents, largely due to increased alcohol consumption on those two days. New Year's Eve, Christmas Eve, and Labor Day are also very bad days to be out on the road unless it is absolutely necessary. Plan ahead and drive as little as possible.

Don't Do Unnecessary Driving On Week-ends:

There are also "deadly" days of the week to drive. You probably have guessed that those days would be the week-end days. Saturday is the worst, followed by Sunday and then Friday. Of course your plans may necessitate driving on these days, but knowing that they are considered "deadly" should cause you to be more cautious when you do find yourself behind the wheel on these days. (In case you were wondering, the day of the week when the least accidents occur is Tuesday, so it might be a good idea to see if you can work your shopping trip in then instead of waiting until the weekend.)

Avoid Rush-Hour Traffic:

Whenever possible, avoid the rush hour traffic. Most accidents, except for the holidays, occur between 3 PM and 6PM when tired, stressed-out commuters are on their way home from work. Most of us have no choice about when we get off work, but if we are aware that other drivers around us will be more accident prone during these hours we can be more careful to watch for hazardous situations.

These suggestions are not given in an attempt to frighten anyone into giving up their car. They are given in the hope that all of us will become more realistic about the dangers of driving and make sure that we remain alert and cautious every minute we are behind the wheel.