We’ve all practiced our fair share of safety habits at home and at work, but what should you do if you’re someplace in between? With more people on the roads as many head back to school, the office and other in-person activities, here are some important safety tips to keep in mind while behind the wheel.
Pay attention:
- Limit your distractions. Avoid using devices while driving whenever possible; even hands-free devices can reduce your focus and put you at risk. If there is an emergency and you must use a device, find a safe place to pull over.
- Keep your radio at a reasonable volume and maintain awareness of your surroundings.
- Never drive under the influence of alcohol or other substances.
Take it slow:
- Follow all speed limits, be mindful of cautionary signs at all times, consider current weather conditions and adjust accordingly. Speeding significantly reduces your time to react and increases the likelihood of a severe accident.
- Allow plenty of stopping distance between yourself and others on the road. Keep in mind, as your speed increases your vehicle will require greater distance to safely stop and avoid obstacles.
- Drive especially slow through road work and construction zones and stay alert for road crews. (Thanks for helping keep our crews safe on the job!)
- If you’re driving during severe weather and are worried about visibility, pull off the road, a safe distance away from traffic, and wait until conditions improve.
Turn around:
- Never drive around barriers that block flooded roadways and don’t attempt to cross a flooded road on foot or in a vehicle. If you come to a flooded road, play it safe and find an alternate route.
- Consider all downed lines as live and never attempt to approach one in your vehicle. If a power line falls on your vehicle, stay put. Roll down your window and alert anyone nearby of the hazard, warning them to stay away. Call 911 and AEP Ohio immediately and stay in your vehicle until help arrives. If there’s a life-threatening emergency, such as a fire, and you must exit your vehicle, proceed with extreme caution and follow these important steps.
Read the other article in our Storm Safety Series to learn more. Drive safe!
