How to Stay Safe on the Road During Summer Travel

How to Stay Safe on the Road During Summer Travel

By Bizzell Editorial Staff 

 “The best car safety device is a rear-view mirror with a cop in it.” – Dudley Moore 

Driving is essential to the daily lives of most Americas, offering convenience, freedom, and access to a world of opportunities. However, many drivers ignore their significant responsibility to prioritize safety on the road. According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), in 2019, 26 percent of fatal crashes, 12 percent of injury crashes, and 9 percent of property-damage-only crashes in 2019 were speeding-related [1]National Center for Statistics and Analysis. (2021, October). Speeding: 2019 data (Traffic Safety Facts. Report No. DOT HS 813 194). National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. One of the primary objectives of the FHWA is to enhance the safety of the nation’s highways. So, it collaborates with state and local partners to implement various safety programs, research innovative technologies, and develop policies to reduce traffic-related fatalities, injuries, and crashes.  

While summertime brings thoughts of vacations and exciting road trips, it is a good moment to revisit basic driving guidelines. Take a moment before your vacation, or any long trip, to inspect your car. Doing so may make the difference between easy travel, a vehicle breakdown, or a highway collision. Before you hit the road this summer, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends you check the following before getting behind the wheel: 

  • Check all belts and hoses. Rubber belts and hoses deteriorate more quickly in the hot summer months. Look under the hood and check all the belts and hoses to make sure the rubber is free from any bulges, blisters, cracks, or cuts. 
  • Check your tires. Inspect your tires at least once a month and before long road trips. Do not forget the spare in the trunk, too! Replace tires that have uneven wear or an insufficient amount of tread. See your owner’s manual for the appropriate inflation pressures. 
  • Check your air conditioning. Everyone is impacted by the absence of air conditioning on a hot summer day. However, the elderly, the very young, and those in poor health may be more susceptible to heat-related problems. 
  • Check your backseat. Children and pets left unattended in a parked car are at severe risk heatstroke or death. Never leave your kids alone in the car. Not even for a minute. Visit NHTSA to learn more about ways to prevent heatstroke. 
  • Check your fluid levels. Make sure to check your car’s oil level as well as other fluid levels, such as brake, automatic transmission or clutch, air coolant, and windshield wiper cleaner. 
  • Check for recalls. Utilize NHTSA’s Recalls look up tool to find out if vehicle has a safety issue that has not be repaired. NHTSA also offers a SaferCar app to check if your car is part of a current recall. 

People die every year from car accidents, and irreparable damage is caused due to preventable mistakes. Keep in mind the importance of safe travelling as we all go about our summer plans.  

By maintaining focus, obeying traffic laws, and practicing defensive driving, we can significantly reduce the number of accidents on our roads…and get to the beach. 

 

[1] National Center for Statistics and Analysis. (2021, October). Speeding: 2019 data (Traffic Safety Facts. Report No. DOT HS 813 194). National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Bizzell Assists FHWA on Every Day Counts Initiative

Bizzell Assists FHWA on Every Day Counts Initiative

The Bizzell Group (Bizzell) is proud of the continued success of working alongside the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) on Every Day Counts (EDC) Summits.

EDC is a state-based model used to identify innovations, shorten the project delivery process, enhance roadway safety and improve environmental sustainability. The initiative was launched by FHWA in cooperation with the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), with the goal of implementing innovative technology to improve highway safety, save time and lower the cost of highway and construction projects that would ultimately save American tax payers money.

Designed to facilitate dialogue, encourage creative thinking and celebrate a shared vision for new opportunities, seven EDC Regional Summits are held every two years, in which these summits begin the process for states, local public agencies and Federal Lands Highway Divisions to focus on the innovations that make the most sense for their unique program needs, establish performance goals and commit to finding opportunities to get those innovations into practice over the next two years.

Bizzell provides each summit with a multidimensional communications plan, which includes writing, editing, graphic design, web design and management, media support and publishing services. Additionally, the firm provides logistical support, covering all pre-conference planning and on-site management as well as webcasting for four session tracks within each summit.

Thus far, Bizzell has assisted in creating 11 videos for the FHWA, which have been viewed more than 6,700 times, in addition to conducting live chats through Livestream, with 17 hours of video viewing time and chatting.

The Summits are a huge component of the EDC initiative, which brings together transportation leaders and professionals to establish performance goals and find opportunities to get innovations into practice, and Bizzell is pleased to be a part of this initiative.

“Your team did an AMAZING job making this round of EDC Summits AWESOME!” Stated Thomas Harman, Director, Center for Accelerating Innovation, U.S. Department of Transportation—Federal Highway Administration.

Federal Highway Administration’s “Every Day Counts” Regional Summits

Federal Highway Administration’s “Every Day Counts” Regional Summits

The Bizzell Group (Bizzell) is currently in the midst of a multi-year support contract with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) Center for Accelerating Innovation (CAI) project entitled “Every Day Counts” (EDC).

EDC is the FHWA’s initiative to advance a culture of innovation in the highway community in partnership with States.  Through this collaborative, State-based effort, FHWA coordinates rapid deployment of proven, market-ready strategies and technologies to shorten the project delivery process, enhance roadway safety, and improve environmental sustainability. The EDC model is built on the premise that through a common vision, partnerships and leadership, the highway community can accelerate the adoption of critical practices; practices that in turn accelerate widespread and consistent deployment of innovative technologies and tools to improve the delivery of projects and performance of the system.

Bizzell is supporting FHWA by implementing EDC Regional Summits in several cities across the U.S. The EDC Regional Summits bring front-line professionals together to discuss EDC innovations, exchange creative ideas with their agency and industry counterparts in their region, and provide feedback to FHWA on the support they need to adopt innovations in their own States. Summits are a proven way to gather people with common interests, experiences and challenges in a productive and innovative environment with the purpose of fostering working relationships to create change.

Key tasks include logistical and multimedia support services, including development of 508-compliant registration sites, graphic design and document development of summit program material and online collateral.  During the initial run of the tour, Bizzell is also providing Live Web conferencing/broadcasting services streamed to thousands of viewers.

“This is a fast-paced contract,” Dr. Anton Bizzell, CEO of Bizzell, said in a statement. “The EDC Regional Summits offer an opportunity to provide our Federal partners and stakeholders with innovative ways of providing technology and improved collaboration.”