Traffic Safety Advocates Target the Workplace During Drive Safely Work Week

ST PAUL, Minn., Sept. 29 -- Driving is an everyday activity -- but it's a serious responsibility and deserves the full and undivided attention of drivers. That's why the Minnesota Network of Employers for Traffic Safety is promoting ten positive steps for responsible driving as part of the 10th annual Drive Safely Work Week campaign -- October 2-6, 2006.

"One of every five drivers on America's roadways is involved in a crash each year and most roadway crashes are preventable," said Lisa Kons, coordinator of the Minnesota Network of Employers for Traffic Safety. "Many of these incidents involve employees who drive for work and even more involve employees who drive to and from work."

Sponsored by the Network of Employers for Traffic Safety (NETS), Drive Safely Work Week is a nationally observed campaign designed to help employers emphasize to employees and their families the importance of driving safely both on and off the job to reduce preventable crashes.

The theme for this year's campaign "Safe Driving is YOUR Responsibility. Make the Commitment." promotes ten positive steps for responsible driving:

  1.  Plan your route
  2.  Maintain your vehicle
  3.  Focus your attention
  4.  Minimize your distractions
  5.  Know your surroundings
  6.  Share your space
  7.  Watch your speed
  8.  Keep your distance
  9.  Signal your intentions
  10. Always wear your seat belt

"Informed drivers make better decisions that keep roads safer," Kons said. "Since drivers can't control the actions of the other drivers on the road they must rely on their own driving skills, knowledge, and experience."

Traffic crashes are the leading cause of work-related death nationally and in Minnesota, with the average crash costing an employer $16,500.

The Minnesota Network of Employers for Traffic Safety is a project of the Minnesota Safety Council and the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Office of Traffic Safety.