Crashes Are No Accident Week (February 10-17)

PENDLETON, IN -  Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels has proclaimed the week of February 10-17, 2008 as "Crashes are No Accident Week" in Indiana.  To promote safe driving during this week, Indiana State Police will continue to take an aggressive approach to increasing seat belt use, deterring impaired driving, and reducing speed-related crashes.  

"We are trying to reframe the way people think about highway crashes by pointing out that these aren't ‘accidents'," said Indiana State Police Superintendent Paul E. Whitesell, PhD.  "The term ‘accident' feeds the misconception that highway crashes are beyond our control, when in fact they are the predictable results of behaviors such as speeding, impaired driving, following too closely and driver distraction." 

In 2007 more than 890 Hoosier motorists died in traffic crashes.  Most of those fatal crashes were caused by driver errors such as driving under the influence, driving too fast for conditions, or distracted driving. 

The Indiana State Police would like to offer the following tips: 

Buckle Up

• Never operate your vehicle until everyone is buckled up!

• Set a good example for your children-use your seatbelt every time.

• Seatbelts are your best defense against a drunk driver.

• Always use your seatbelt properly-over the shoulder and across the lap and chest.

   Never Drive Impaired

• Don't risk it-if you plan to drive, don't drink.

• Choose a sober designated driver before drinking.

• Use public transportation.

• Report impaired drivers by calling 911.

Drive Defensively, Not Aggressively

• Make every attempt to safely get out of the way of an aggressive driver.

• Put your pride in the back seat. Don't challenge an aggressive driver.

• Avoid eye contact and ignore gestures.

• Report aggressive drivers to law enforcement.

• If an aggressive driver is involved in a crash, report the driving behavior you witnessed to police.

Drive Attentively

• Get plenty of rest to avoid driving while fatigued.  Sleep driving is just as dangerous as driving while impaired.

• Avoid long drives late at night.

• Do not use the cruise control.

• Take frequent breaks-at least every two hours.

• Avoid the primary causes of distracted driving:  cell phones, radio, beverages and other food.

Remember to always report dangerous or impaired drivers by calling your local law enforcement agency or simply dial 9-1-1.

Source: Indiana State Police

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