Be Smart About Driving

Prepared and Developed by Erin Choi, UCOP Student Intern

Statistics

• In the United States every:– 12 minutes someone dies in a motor vehicle

accident– 10 seconds someone in injured – 5 seconds a collision occurs

• In California alone 40,000-50,000 automobile accidents are reported on average per year

• Of the 40,000-50,000 accidents 30,000 result in an injury

U.S. Accidental Deaths - 2004

• 111,000 Accidental Deaths in the U.S. in 2004

• 46,200 Deaths (42%) Were Motor Vehicle Related

U-I Deaths, 2004

Motor Vehicle, 46,200

Falls, 20,200

Poisoning, 13,300

Choking*, 4,900

Fires, Burns, 3,900

Drowning, 3,800

All Other, 18,700

*Suffocation by inhalation or ingestion of food or object.

University of CaliforniaMotor Vehicle Claims

• Auto Liability (2000 to 2006)– 1457 Claims for $7.4 Million

• Auto Physical Damage (2000 – 2006)– 1781 Claims for $3.2 Million

• Auto-Related Workers Compensation Claims (2002-2006)– 555 Claims for $4.9 Million

Basics of Safe Driving• Always wear a seatbelt• Adjust the seat and check mirrors • Pay attention• Do not talk on the phone• Never drive impaired• Do not speed• Never run stop signs or red lights• Give pedestrians the right of way• Get rid of all other distractions• Look out for the other driver – Drive defensively

Avoid Becoming a Victim of a Break-In

• LOCK the doors and close the windows

• Do not leave valuables in plain view,

put them out of sight in the trunk

or under the seat

• Deter auto theft by using a steering

wheel clubNever leave your car running or leave the keys in the car unattended even for a minute. Take the keys with you and lock the doors every time.

Don’t Compromise Safety for Comfort• Set your head rest at the top of your ear level

• Make sure your seat belt is properly secured

• Adjust your seat to be in the

upright positioncorrect way to wear a seat belt

Sitting upright Slouching

Make sure your seat belt it secure across your shoulders and waist. Make sure your seat is not reclined too far and that you can reach the gas and brake pedals with ease.

Be a Defensive DriverDriving defensively means being responsible for your own

actions but also keeping an eye out for other drivers.

• Secure all passengers with safety belts

• Driving too fast or too slow raises the likelihood of an accident

• Alcohol is a factor in nearly half of all fatal motor vehicle crashes. Never drink and drive

• Stay clear if you notice a car swerving, making wide turns, or stopping abruptly, the driver may be impaired

• Do not follow too close or cut off other drivers

• Allow 3 to 6 seconds reaction time

• Abide by the rules of the road and respect other drivers.

Most Common Causes of Fatal Automobile Crashes

1. Distracted drivers Keep from:• Talking on the cell phone• Looking at scenery or “rubbernecking”• Adjusting the radio/ loud music

Most Common Causes of Fatal Automobile Crashes

2. Driver fatigue – You should:• Pull over & stop if drowsy• Take a break from driving every 2

hours• Share driving time• Get a good nights rest before a long

trip

Most Common Causes of Fatal Automobile Crashes

3. Drunk drivingnever mix drinking with driving

always: • designate a driver in advance

Most Common Causes of Fatal Automobile Crashes

4. Speeding – Always:• Obey the speed limit• Do not drive in a hurry• Give yourself extra time to recognize

hazards around you

Most Common Causes of Fatal Automobile Crashes5. Aggressive driving –

Do not:• Tailgate or frequently change lanes• Deliberately cut off another vehicle

If you encounter an aggressive driver:• Remain calm & keep your distance• Do not pass unless you have to• Change lanes once it is safe

Most Common Causes of Fatal Automobile Crashes

6. Weather – Be careful of:• Heavy rain• Hail• High winds• Ice and snow• Fog

Rental Cars

• Make sure everything is working properly– Scratches, dents, under/over inflated tires

• Familiarize yourself with your new car– Locations of speedometer, gas gauge, light

switches, windshield wipers, and defroster • Make sure you know how they work

– Before you head out onto traffic• Feel out brakes, gas, & steering - These vary

from car to car

What to Do if There is an Accident• Stop and pull out of traffic if possible

• Check for & aid injuries & call 911 if needed

• Exchange names, insurance information, drivers license information, and phone numbers with involved driver(s)

• Get the names, addresses, and phone numbers of any witnesses

Try to avoid dangerous situations by being a defensive driver. However, if an accident should occur, you need to take certain steps to avoid potential complications.

Motor Vehicle Accident While on UC Business

• UCOP Webpage– http://www.ucop.edu/purchserv/coverageguide.html#ownveh

• Primary Insurance Coverage– Rental Car (UC Corporate ID)– Rental Car Co. – Personal Vehicle – Personal Insurance

• Contact Supervisor– Supervisor should contact UCOP Risk

Manager, Karen Vecchi 510-987-9826

• Injury – Contact Supervisor & HR Benefits– Emergency – Go to nearest Emergency Room

Be Safe, Be Courteous

The 30 seconds you save by speeding is not worth getting into a crash. Slow down and give yourself plenty of time

to get to your destination