Kennedy Lundeburg
Staff
With school in full swing and winter fast approaching, there has been an increase in driving-related accidents, leading to an increase in concern from Police, EMTs, Hospitals, and parents.
All studies, healthcare workers, and law enforcement agree that if you are in a vehicle, buckle up; that one-second decision can and does save lives.
Kurt Umbrell, a PA at Mount Pleasant Hospital, stated that “Inexperienced drivers tend to overestimate their abilities and take unneeded risks. Aggressive driving, speed, and following too closely are some common types of aggressive driving and risky behavior.
Alcohol is shown to be as dangerous as distracted driving. Paying attention to your phone and drunk driving are also risks that lead to auto injury.”
Sanpete Law Enforcement continues with this sentiment, stating that “Driving distracted seems to be a big issue with college students. Seems like a lot of issues stem from texting and driving, DUI, or trying to impress their friends.”
Distracted driving tends to be a common issue with college students. According to Utah.Gov 30% of car accidents with people under the age of 20 come from distracted driving.
During the cold winter months, it is important to scrape your windshield and stay a safe distance behind other vehicles. Many people have recounted close calls due to unscraped windows and ill-equipped tires and breaks.
If you or a friend are new to snowy driving conditions, it is important that you take extra precautions while diving. If you are used to driving in the snow, it is also important that you follow safety regulations and precautions, realizing that you don't know everything and that accidents do happen.
Accidents are also increasing with pedestrians. ER nurses, doctors, and law enforcement plead with students and teachers to please pay attention, use crosswalks, and use lights where available.
A physical therapist from Sanpete Valley Physical Therapy continues this plea, asking drivers to look in crosswalks and pay attention to the lights, stating that “Pedestrians get hit in those sidewalks at the light multiple times a month.”
On behalf of students, teachers, parents, healthcare professionals, and law enforcement, please drive and walk safely. One second can mean the difference between life and death.
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