TOP 5 CITIES FOR TRAFFIC FATALITIES

Daun Thompson — Tue, 22 Oct 2019 12:00:27 +0000

It is not surprising to me that my city has been listed in the top 5 cities for traffic fatalities. I am quite certain that I am not the only driver in this city who wonders if I am being “punked” on my commute. Every day we encounter the dangerously short ramps that merge directly into access road lanes. And the exit ramps that are entirely too close together. Not to mention (but I will) those entrance and exit ramps that are also entirely too close together. We actually ranked top five in 2017. But, according to the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), 2018 was third-deadliest of the decade on American roads.

VISION ZERO PLAN

In 2017 the NHTSA reported that Dallas, Texas had the fifth-highest rates of traffic and pedestrian traffic fatalities in the United States. And 50% of those fatal and severe injury crashes occurred on only 8% of our city streets. Two years fast-forward (yes, two years!) and the Dallas City Council and Department of Transportation have both agreed to adopt the nationwide Vision Zero Plan. This plan would “formally commit the city to taking steps to bring down fatality rates to zero.” They state that their nonprofit mission is to offer cities the resources and strategies to assist in the process.

AIMED AT ELIMINATING FATALITIES

According to Michael Rogers, the Director of the Dallas Department of Transportation, it is an intentionally recognized strategy that eliminates traffic fatalities and severe injuries relating to automobile users, pedestrians, as well as cyclists. He says that it is based on the belief that no loss of life is acceptable and that traffic fatalities and severe injuries are all preventable.

OTHER TEXAS CITIES WITH BAD DRIVERS

Now, I must say, Dallas isn’t the only city with bad drivers. Actually, there are six cities in Texas that rank in the top 13 for traffic fatalities. The other five cities are Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio, Austin and El Paso. But Dallas is at the top of that list. Statistics from 2017 also showed that on average, two people a week died in traffic incidents in Dallas. Yikes! It’s about time they did something about it! Don’t you think?

Until next week…
Daun Thompson
Writer / Comedienne / Artist

TOP 5 CITIES FOR TRAFFIC FATALITIES – Comedy Defensive Driving

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CHILD CAR SEAT INSPECTION

Daun Thompson — Tue, 10 Sep 2019 12:00:20 +0000

Installing a child’s car seat properly is imperative for your child’s safety. Of course, a new car seat will come with a manual. But what about your caregiver who may transfer it into their car? Or what if you purchase a used car seat with no manual? We have new sources available to us now showing us how to properly install a car seat. We even have child car seat safety inspection facilities available to us.

CHILD PASSENGER SAFETY WEEK

To help keep children safe on our roads, the NHTSA (Nation Highway Traffic Safety Administration) is sponsoring Child Passenger Safety Week from September 15-21. The goal is to make sure your child is in the correct car seat, that it’s properly installed and used, and that it’s registered with its manufacturer to ensure you receive important safety updates.

SAFE KIDS.ORG

Safe Kids Worldwide is a nonprofit organization working to help families and communities keep kids safe from injuries. This organization hosts a website where you can find locations that do child car seat safety check-ups and inspections. They also keep you up-to-date regarding child safety laws and they offer some brilliant safety tips regarding children in the car. On their website, you can register your car seat, sign up for educational workshops, view a calendar of community events near you and you can even check to see if your particular car seat has been recalled.

ARE YOU CURRENT ON THE LATEST CHILD PASSENGER SAFETY LAWS?

Perhaps I am not the only driver in Texas that still thought an infant is required to remain rear-facing in the car seat until they reach the age of 12 months. According to the NHTSA, the law now states that a child must remain rear facing until they are two years of age, or until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by the car seat manufacturer. The top two national child safety advocates reported some years back that this is recommended, and now it is the law!

Know the laws and share car seat installation check knowledge with your caregivers, family members, and other friends with small children.

Until next week…

Daun Thompson

Writer / Comedienne / Artist

CHILD CAR SEAT INSPECTION – Comedy Defensive Driving School

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