Often, the daily work commute can become as natural as breathing. Employees drive the same roads, stop for the same stop signs and make the same turns twice each workday. This routine can lead to unfocused driving, which is dangerous to all motorists on the roads. As part of Drive Safely Work Week (DSWW), which will be observed nationally Oct. 3-7, the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) encourages all motorists to engage in safe driving practices to and from work.
This year marks the 20th DSWW, sponsored by the Network of Employers for Traffic Safety. DSWW is the annual workplace safety campaign that aims to remind employees about safe driving practices. The DSWW campaign is dedicated to improving the safety and well-being of employees, their families and members of the communities in which they live and work. By preventing traffic crashes that occur both to and from work, MDOT will make driving to and from work a safe routine for all Mississippians.
The theme of this year’s campaign is #ThinkActively: Your Decisions Drive Your Safety. This theme emphasizes the necessary component of even the most routine of trips—thinking. By thinking actively, drivers can eliminate vehicle accidents caused by poor decision making when behind the wheel of a vehicle.
Although the campaign takes place during the first week of October each year, these helpful tips can be used throughout the year for continuous safe driving practices:
- Make sure you are well rested before operating a vehicle; drowsy driving is not safe driving.
- Make sure there are no distractions from cell phones, iPods, radios, etc.
- Remember the “one-car length” following rule and allow more space during inclement weather; “one-car length” gives you time to react if necessary.
- Always leave 5-10 minutes early to avoid speeding; you will not save as much time as you think.
- Make a mirror sweep with your eyes every 5-6 seconds to avoid allowing your mind to wonder.
- Before you leave your house or workplace, use MDOTtraffic.com to check for any construction or traffic that could cause slowdowns on your commute; plan your route accordingly.
The primary concern of MDOT is the safety of the traveling public. Remember that safety is a full-time job, so don’t make it a part-time practice.
Courtesy of MDOT
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