Message Monday - Secure your child's future. Use the right car seat

September 21, 2020

Rear-facing, front-facing, infant seat, or booster – which car seat is safest for your child?

According to The National Highway Traffic Safety Administrations’ Right Seat website, there are three factors specific to your child that go into choosing the appropriate seat – age, height, and weight.

Many people think that once their children outgrow baby car seats, they should begin to use the seat belts built into a vehicle. According to NHTSA, for their safety, many kids 8 to 12 years old still need to use a booster seat to allow the vehicle’s seat belts to fit properly. Make sure they ride in a booster seat until they outgrow the size limits of their booster, or until they are big enough for an adult seat belt to fit them properly.

Message Monday - I spy with my little eye, a safe driver

September 14, 2020

Whether you’re in a virtual or in-person work or classroom situation, the ability to keep your mind on the task at hand helps you be more successful. The same is true when you’re behind the wheel.

Distractions while driving come from three distinct areas - taking your eyes off the road, your hands off the wheel, or your mind off driving. Combining any of these increases your risk of being involved in a crash.

Message Monday - Keep family memories alive, don't drink & drive

September 7, 2020

In the midst of all the turmoil 2020 has brought into our lives, we’re learning to appreciate the little things that make life worthwhile.

One of those small treasures might be a day off of work to celebrate Labor Day with friends and family (socially distanced, of course). Whether you’re having a backyard barbeque or one last spin around the lake, celebrating responsibly will help end this summer on a high note.

Message Monday - Driving faster can cause disaster

August 31, 2020

This year has been one that many of us would like to put behind us. From COVID-19 to Derecho, we’ve learned a whole new vocabulary related to disasters many didn’t see coming or have any control over.

There is one devastating tragedy you can avoid; it just takes a little effort. In 2020 traffic fatalities were going down significantly as fewer people were on Iowa roads. The number of fatalities in July and August has grown to alarming numbers. Higher speeds are one cause. There are things you can do every time you get behind the wheel that will help drive those numbers back down.

Message Monday - 129 days until 2021. Buckle up and finish strong

August 24, 2020

It has been one heck of a year, and it’s not over yet. While Iowa’s traffic fatalities were down significantly in the early part of the COVID-19 crisis, the numbers are moving in the wrong direction with 44 fatalities in July, the highest number for that month since 2007.

Just like every other aspect of our lives, we each have to take personal responsibility to do what it takes to get through each situation. When you’re behind the wheel, the easiest and most effective way to make sure you get through your trip alive is to buckle up.

Seat belts and traffic safety are a serious business, but these days, we all need to have a little fun - https://youtu.be/cTw7yPnpDoM

For 2020, there have been 189 fatalities reported. That is an increase of 14 since last Monday. 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

Message Monday - Safe driving habits last a lifetime

August 17, 2020

Will you see “zero fatalities” in your lifetime? Here are the top five safe driving habits you should do every time you get behind the wheel.

Chill out – slow down and don’t drive aggressively

Driver sober – no drugs or alcohol

Focus on the road – minimize distractions

Stay alert – pull over and rest or switch drivers if you’re tired

Buckle up – every seat, every trip

These habits seem like common sense, but anyone who has been on the road sees drivers who struggle to do all five all the time.

Do you have a new driver in the house? Help them develop safe driving habits from the beginning… https://youtu.be/KZuwtUTYkmE

For 2020, there have been 175 fatalities reported. That is an increase of nine since last Monday. 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