Roadside Chat - Do the ride thing. Share the road.
For many of us, springtime in Iowa means getting out and about. Whether you’re in a passenger vehicle, commercial truck, motorcycle, bicycle, farm implement, or simply out for a walk, we all need to be aware of other road users and safely share the space.
Here are a few key considerations.
- Be aware of your surroundings. Keep your eyes on the road as much as possible and use your peripheral vision to scan the area around you.
- Read and obey traffic signs and signals. Every road user is obligated to follow the same posted directions.
- If you are behind the wheel or on a motorcycle, slow down. It is more difficult to see and adjust to unexpected situations if you’re speeding.
- If you are in a vehicle, buckle up, every seat. Should you get into a crash, your chances of coming away with less severe injuries increase if you’re securely belted.
Since it is Motorcycle Safety Month, here’s a video with some great tips for sharing the road with motorcycles - https://youtu.be/Jj4NvsvI3is
Special thanks to Mark O. from Coralville for submitting this message idea. If you have an idea for a message, go to https://zerofatalitiesiowa.com/ to submit it to our team.
In Iowa in 2022, there have been 104 deaths in traffic crashes. That’s an increase of since last Friday. To see statistics published daily by the Office of Driver Services, go to the daily fatality report at https://www.iowadot.gov/mvd/stats/daily.pdf
Hi!
Thank you for these reminders. About 20 years ago my teenage son had passed on the shoulder of the road and the DNR had pulled him over and gave him a ticket. He was only 16 so we went in for a "hearing" with DOT personnel. I don't remember the exact statistic, but she had a sign on her desk that said that we are (insert time here) seconds away from a fatal crash every time we get on the road). It made me think about how a few seconds can make the difference of a lifetime. I think we all need reminded! It's not only us but all of the other drivers around us as well. We are all in this together!
Thank you, have a wonderful weekend and be safe!!
Posted by: Kelley Brown | 05/20/2022 at 07:52 AM