Changing a tire is one of those basic things we learn to do when we get a drivers license. Most of us know how to do it, but it’s always a good idea to practice it at least once before you actually need to change a tire. It’s not difficult to do in your driveway, or in a parking lot, or even at the side of a quiet street. On a busy street or highway, or in a dangerous area, is quite a different story.

There are times when it really is best to call for assistance instead of trying to change a tire yourself.

When to call for help:

• If you have a flat tire and you are driving on a busy road with no safe place to stop.
• When the roads are icy or slippery.
• When it’s dark, rainy or foggy.
• If you are parked on a slope or a curve in the road.
• If you are in a dangerous area and do not feel comfortable.

All of these situations are examples of when it’s impossible for you to ensure your safety, the safety of your passengers, or the safety of other drivers. The best way to avoid an auto accident in these circumstances is to call for help.

While you are waiting for road assistance, stay calm and make sure your hazard lights are on. If you have any flares, it’s a good idea to put them on the road next to your car. Anything that helps other drivers see you and avoid a collision is a good thing!

After ringing in the New Year and celebrating the season with friends and family, many of us turn our attention to the Super Bowl.  It’s a great day to eat, drink, and cheer for our favorite team. We host parties at home, join friends at their homes, or in bars and restaurants. Most of us have to drive wherever we go. An important part of plans for the upcoming festivities should be getting everyone home safely.  Let’s make this a car accident free day!

There is a campaign to help us meet this goal for Super Bowl Sunday:
REAL fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk.

Five organizations are working together to make a safe Super Bowl, this year and every year.  The National Football League (NFL), Techniques for Effective Alcohol Management (TEAM) Coalition, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and the HERO Campaign are reminding all Super Bowl fans that REAL Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk.

This group is asking NFL fans to pledge to be responsible while enjoying the Super Bowl XLV. The “Responsibility Has Its Rewards pledge” requires fans to fill out a form and pledge to:

• Never Drive Drunk
• Always Have A Designated Driver
• Never Provide Alcohol to Minors
• Always Buckle Up – Every Trip, Every Time

If you are interested in finding out more about the pledge, visit the website: http://www.teamcoalition.org/faneducation/videos/register.asp?id=27

The safety campaign reminds everyone:

1. When it comes to driving, buzzed is drunk.
2. Confirm your designated driver before the event.
3. Buying or giving alcohol to minors is dangerous and illegal.
4. Seat belts can save your life only when you are wearing them.

The Real Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk campaign also provide suggestions for hosting parties.  A few of these are:

• Make sure all guests designate their sober drivers before kick-off
• Find unique ways to recognize the designated drivers at your party
• Give them a great spot to watch the game
• Always keep their glasses full of whatever non-alcoholic beverage they are drinking
• Let them have the first pass at the buffet table
• Make sure their cars are easy to access when it’s time to start driving people home
• Offer a variety of non-alcoholic choices like soft drinks, juice, and water
• Announce ahead of time when you’ll stop serving alcohol, such as one hour before the party ends or at the end of the third quarter (just like NFL stadiums), and then begin serving coffee and dessert
• Have the phone numbers for local cab companies on your speed dial so they are just one touch away
• Take appropriate steps to prevent anyone from driving while impaired
• Be prepared for guests to spend the night if an alternative way home is not available

After the great time let’s get everyone home in one piece and make Super Bowl Sunday an auto accident free event.

You can be part of the solution. Early in the morning and middle of the afternoon are very busy times for dropping kids off at school, and they can also be dangerous times. People are rushing, everyone is busy, and traffic can get very congested. Everyone needs to concentrate on making this a time that is free of auto related accidents. Children’s safety is everyone’s responsibility.

Drivers have a more difficult time seeing small children, making kids particularly vulnerable. Creating a Drop Off and Pick Up Safety Initiative at your school can address children’s safety while going to and from school. It can also reduce the risk of auto accidents.

Reasons to start a Drop-off and Pick-up initiative:

• Creates a designated zone for drivers to drop-off or pick-up their children.
• Reduces traffic congestion around the school by ensuring cars do not park illegally.
• Provides adult supervision for students being dropped off and picked up from school.
• Allows smaller children to stay secured in the car while school age children are dropped off and picked up.
• Teaches road safety and safe passenger rules to parents and children.

How to set up an initiative?

• Ensure the school community supports the initiative by talking with the principal.
• Build a list of volunteers to be zone supervisors.
• Develop policies and procedures to administer the initiative.
• Fully understand all issues regarding the responsibility of students and volunteers.