Crash Statistics, High Water, and Road Construction

February 28th, 2014

Crash Statistics.  Statistics report that during the last 10 years an average of 4,000 people are killed in crashes involving big trucks and buses.   An additional 100,000 people are injured.  As a professional driver, one of the heaviest burdens that you carry is the fact that your actions behind the wheel could contribute to one of these grim statistics.   The latest statistics reveal the following top 10 driver related factors that lead to violent crashes:

1. Speeding.
2. Distraction or inattention.
3. Fatigue, illness, or other impairment.
4. Failing to yield right of way.
5. Having an obscured view.
6. Failing to stay in the proper lane.
7. Other non-moving traffic violations.
8. Failing to obey traffic control devices.
9. Driving in an erratic, reckless,or careless manner.
10. Following improperly.

High Water.  With the combination of melting snow and expected heavy rainfall, flooding will be likely east of the Mississippi.  West of the Rocky’s, not so much.  Here are a couple of reminders when dealing with flooding:

• If a road is marked closed, it is closed.  Unless it is a true emergency, do not drive around the barriers.  Fines can be levied against offenders.  Especially if the vehicle floods out and has to be towed.
• You could be held liable for damage to property that your vehicle caused, if it can be proven that your vehicle stalled after you drove your vehicle into the high water.
• The driving surface of the road can be hidden from view and you might drive off of the paved surface.
• Water is often deeper than it appears to be and still water is usually deep water.
• Flowing water can washout the pavement.
• Flowing water can move debris including large boulders (that can be concealed) onto the roadway.
• Flowing water can move a car or truck.  When it does it will always move it toward the faster current.
• As little as an inch of water will cause the vehicle to hydroplane -- drive slower and do not use your cruise control.
• Flood water contains every contaminant known to man -- except for emergencies, don’t wade through it.
• If the road is not marked closed and you find yourself on a flooded section of road which you must drive through portions, drive at a slower speed; “feel” the road surface; be aware of your wake especially if you stop or rapidly slow down.
• Manhole covers have been known to be lifted by water pressure from below the surface of the road.
• After driving through water, you should have your brakes cleaned.  Debris in the water will become a coarse abrasive and will shorten the life of pad, drum, and disk.  Additionally, water may enter the brake lines and cause havoc unless it is purged from the lines.
• After driving through high water during freezing weather, brakes are susceptible to freezing when they are applied.
• Large pieces of ice may float into structures, potentially causing serious damage when a thaw occurs near water ways.

Schneider Eggs.   The first signs of spring will be popping up in the next couple of weeks.  I’m not thinking of Robins but of the orange barrels announcing construction zones.   Remember that most states have adopted the “Fines are Doubled in Construction Zones” attitude.  Travel in the proper lane; travel at the posted speed (or slower); maintain space management; be prepared for other motorist to change lanes into your lane; use the lean and look method when checking your mirrors and always be prepared to stop suddenly.