Traffic Safety

There's a lot more traffic on the road today than there was just two decades ago. Cars are moving faster because highway speed limits have been raised, and many drivers are lulled into a false sense of security in SUVs and large pick-up trucks. Traffic safety is becoming a more important issue every year.

What Works and What Doesn't Work

Students who are learning to drive must pass increasingly stringent driving tests in many states. At the same time, part of their driver's education courses now include serious studies of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and many courses include having the students observe videos of car crashes and fatalities.

Another way that states and municipalities are working to improve traffic safety is by using the latest in technology to improve traffic flows and to detect drivers who fail to obey rules. Traffic lights, for example, can now be used to determine when there are too many drivers on an interstate and can redirect the overflow to local roads.

Maintaining roads and bridges is also a major traffic safety concern since many accidents are caused when pot holes cause vehicles to swerve. Having enough police officers and county sheriffs on the roads is another traffic safety factor.

For drivers and passengers in cars, paying attention to traffic safety is a must. Loud music, squabbling children, and eating, putting on make-up, or combing hair can all cause collisions. Small children should always be belted into an approved child safety car seat, and that seat should be in the center of the back seat in the car.