October 9, 2009
Contact: Meg Mincolla
Phone: (775) 888-7172
Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day Held Oct. 10
Following a recent federal summit and national discussion of the dangers of distracted driving, the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) and Nevada Department of Public Safety, Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) are encouraging motorists to drive safely and distraction-free during Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day Oct. 10 and every day.
In 2008, 13 people lost their lives in Nevada traffic crashes involving driver distractions such as using cell phones, eating and grooming. With more than three-quarters of a million vehicles nationwide being driven every day by someone on a cell phone, Insurance Institute for Highway Safety research shows that drivers using cell phones and other devices are four times more likely to be in a traffic accident.
“While you’re driving, one split second can be the difference between life and death,” NDOT Director Susan Martinovich said. “Putting down the cell phone, putting away the distractions and driving attentively and safely is the most important priority when you’re driving.”
The theme of this year’s national Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day is “Don’t be Driven to Distraction- Drive to Arrive”. Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day was developed to unite the country in achieving one full day of zero traffic deaths by promoting safer driver behavior and safer roadways. Supported by over 40 national transportation, safety and engineering organizations, as well as local governments and businesses, the safety day is held every October.
Nevada safety groups have come together to develop ways to improve driving safety every day of the year. Nevada’s Strategic Highway Safety Plan, led by NDOT, OTS and Nevada Highway Patrol, brings law enforcement, transportation agencies and safety advocates together to develop ways to reduce Nevada traffic fatalities through education, emergency response, enforcement and engineering. Drivers can log on to www.nevadadot.com/safety and www.drivesafenv.com for further safe driving information.
