AAA Issues

Could you imagine a day without traffic fatalities? A day where every child is transported safely to the arms of a waiting parent, where driver courtesy replaces recklessness, and where we all drive as if our lives depend on it. In looking at current statistics, a day with zero traffic fatalities is indeed a challenge.

Many people would be surprised to learn that traffic crashes are the leading cause of death for Americans ages 6 to 33 years old. Traffic crashes result in an average of 114 fatalities every day, totaling more than 41,500 over the course of the year. Motor-vehicle crashes are a greater threat to life in the United States than violent crime. There is one vehicle-crash-related injury every 15 seconds compared to one violent crime every 22 seconds.

Last October, AAA participated in the first Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day. A number of traffic-safety organizations around the nation joined together to encourage the public to keep themselves and their loved ones from becoming a traffic-fatality statistic. This program reminds us all that most car crashes are preventable. We believe the goals of the program are worth striving for each and every day. That’s why AAA urges you to make a renewed commitment in 2002 to drive responsibly and sensibly.

Avoid drinking and driving. About two out of every five Americans will be involved in an alcohol-related crash at some time in their lives. In addition to the death toll, about 1 million Americans are injured annually in alcohol-related crashes.

Fasten your seat belt. Buckling up and making sure your child is properly restrained can have a major impact in reducing fatalities. Lap and shoulder belts, when used properly, reduce the risk of fatal injury to front-seat passengers by 45 percent and the risk of moderate and critical injury by 50 percent. Almost 500 children die on our highways each year because they are not properly secured in appropriate restraint systems.

Other driver behaviors such as speeding and drowsy, aggressive, and distracted driving contribute to crashes that are completely preventable. Everyone has a role to play in traffic safety, whether as a driver, passenger, pedestrian, or cyclist.

So make a New Year’s resolution to make a real difference to you and your family. Be a safe and courteous driver every day. Your commitment to traffic safety just may prevent you or someone you love from becoming another unnecessary statistic.

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Published in the January/February 2002 issue of the AAA Traveler.