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Ashley Hayes ReportingYou may not be aware, but it's national safety month. June kicks off the summer, and the National Safety Council says a lot of accidents come with that.
That's why each week in June we'll be bringing you some tips to help you and your families stay safe. The first topic this month is driving.
No one likes to sit or drive in traffic, but Utah Highway Patrol troopers advise drivers to avoid the temptation of saving time by multitasking while they're driving. That would include, but is not limited to, putting on makeup, changing CD's, playing with the radio, reaching down on the floorboard to pick something up.
And UHP says the number one driving offense is talking on your cell phone. That also falls into the category of distracted driving. Anything that involves taking your eyes off the road, even if it's disciplining kids in the back seat, is a distraction that could cause you to wreck.
Also, it's no surprise during the summer people are traveling and driving longer distances to get where they're going.
Naturally most people are in a hurry to get to their destination, but there are some basic practices to remember in getting there safely.
The first one, get plenty of sleep before you hit the road.
Keith Dockstrader, Utah Highway Patrol: "People will tell us they've been working in preparation to go on vacation. You have to get all the things done at the office and put in extra time. BY the time you get in the car you're already tired."
That's what troopers identify as drowsy driving. All ready this week trooper Dockstrader has seen a bad accident as result of the driver falling asleep.
Keith Dockstrader, Utah Highway Patrol: "In that one, a gentleman had fallen asleep, drifted off to the left and over corrected right, rolled off the right shoulder, which was attributed to drowsy driving."
Dockstrader says if there is one safety tip he could advise drivers to practice everytime they get in the car, it's to wear a seatbelt. It's a worn out phrase, but if you are distracted or the driver next to you is distracted, it's the number one safety device that could save your life.
Be aware also that you can get into trouble if your car's not safe. Tires are one of the main things to check. Make sure they have plenty of tread, and that the air pressure is good.
Troopers advise motorists to check the fluid levels in their vehicles and make sure they're maintained.
Also, don't follow the car in front of you too closely. It's best to leave at least three seconds between you and the car you're behind.
