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National Safety Council Designates June as National Safety Month
 Every year, the National Safety Council promotes National Safety Month, an initiative that focuses on heightening awareness of important safety issues. The National Safety Council and its local chapters provide information, education, and training programs focused on these issues, as well as encourage public and private organizations to sponsor National Safety Month efforts.
It is estimated that 90% of all motor vehicle crashes are attributable, at least in part, to driver behaviors.
Crash-Free June
The theme of this year's National Safety Month is "Crash-Free June." The focus of "Crash-Free June" is to draw attention to specific types of behaviors that cause motor vehicle accidents.
18.3 million motor vehicle crashes were reported in 2002. These crashes resulted in 2.3 million injuries and 44,000 deaths-or about 120 deaths per day.
It is estimated that 90% of all motor vehicle crashes-about 16.4 million of those listed above-are attributable, at least in part, to driver behaviors.
The key behaviors covered are:
Speeding
Speeding is a contributing factor in crashes that kill approximately 12,000 people each year. Speeding reduces the time a driver has to avoid a crash and increases the likelihood and severity of the crash.
Aggressive driving
Operating a vehicle in a way that endangers other people and property-such as improper passing, weaving in and out of traffic, or following too closely-compromises the safety of both the driver and everyone around them.
Distracted driving
It only takes a second for a crash to happen. Distractions occur when drivers concentrate on something other than operating their vehicles-such as engaging in cell phone conversations.
Drinking
Last year, 17,401 people died in alcohol-related crashes. Alcohol was a contributing factor in 40% of all motor vehicle fatalities last year. Alcohol slows reaction time, decreases awareness, and impairs judgment.
Drowsy driving
Just like drugs or alcohol, sleepiness slows reaction time, decreases awareness, and impairs judgment. Just like drugs or alcohol, it can be fatal when driving.
Failure to yield the right of way
One of the most common driver errors, failure to yield the right-of-way is not just a breach of driver etiquette-it's breaking the law.
Teenagers and driving
Motor vehicle crashes are the number one cause of death for young adults between the ages of 16 and 24. More than 11,000 people aged 15-24 were killed in crashes last year and 8,500 of these were drivers and passengers in vehicles operated by drivers aged 16-20. The dangerous mix of inexperience, distractions, peer pressure, and a tendency to underestimate risk are common factors in the 6.5 million crashes experienced by young adults each year.
Participate in "Crash-Free June" by sharing knowledge about crash-causing behaviors with friends, family, co-workers, and organizations.
Join us in making June, and every month, crash-free. Check out our recommend list of programs below:
Defensive Driving: A Crash Course #4103
Defensive Driving: Prepared for the Worst #4104
Motor Vehicle Awareness: Easy as ABCD #4014
Safe Driving: Real-Real Life #18093
For more information on the Workplace Health & Safety programs available through NMAU Business Lending Library, view our catalog of training resources or contact your Account Manager at 800.783.3100 ext 144!
Be Safe!
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