Most drivers are familiar with the concept of careless driving tickets, but few stop to think about what careless driving really is or how it causes crashes. Careless driving is an umbrella term for a number of violations, including lane drifting, which can lead to head-on or sideswipe crashes. About 10,000 deaths occur annually when vehicles leave the roadway.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), drifting is defined as “when a vehicle is moving in a generally straight line, but at a slight angle to the lane. The driver might correct his or her course as the vehicle approaches a lane line or other boundary, or fail to correct until after a boundary has been crossed. In extreme cases, the driver fails to correct in time to avoid a collision.” Whether the collision that occurs is head-on or sideswipe depends on the position of the vehicles and the orientation of the road, among other factors.

Lane drifting occurs due to driver error. Specific causes of lane drifting include:

• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol


• Drowsiness or falling asleep


• Speeding, especially around a curve


• Lack of alertness, including daydreaming, reaching for something in the vehicle, or looking at something outside of the vehicle

For drivers, remaining sober and alert and maintaining a speed appropriate for conditions help prevent lane drifting. Roadway engineering and in-vehicle technology offer support to drivers who do drift and increased protection for all road users.

NHTSA says that about 90% of all rural crashes with fatalities occur on two-lane roads. Two-lane roads in rural areas usually do not have medians to separate two-way traffic; with vehicles in opposing directions traveling in such close proximity to one another, the margin of error is small and the potential for tragedy is enormous. According to a 2003 Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) report, sideswipe or head-on crashes that occur when vehicles cross the centerline comprise approximately 20% of fatal crashes on rural two-lane roads and cause approximately 4,500 deaths every year. Many drivers are familiar with rumble strips along the right side of long stretches of highway; the rumble is both felt and heard when the vehicle's tires drift onto the shoulder of the road. The IIHS advocates the addition of rumble strips along the centerlines of undivided rural two-lane roads.

In 2009 NHTSA began studies comparing different crash avoidance systems, including lane departure warning systems, to determine whether or not they will be required on new vehicles. Lane-departure warning systems alert drivers when their vehicle is leaving the lane; in some instances, the system has the capability of moving the vehicle back into the lane. IIHS says lane-departure systems could impact up to 483,000 crashes annually by helping vehicles stay on the road.

Labels: careless driving tickets, driving under the influence, drowsy driving, DUI, lane drifting

The last big weekend of summer is coming up. Whether you are traveling in Dallas, Houston, Austin or San Antonio, all around Texas millions of drivers will be hitting the road for one final summer getaway before everyone goes back to school and the weather turns cool. Whether you are going travel for a weekend away at the coast or a local lake or simply driving around your own area there are some common things to watch out for:

Motorcycles and Bicycles - As you head out onto the road and feel the wind in your hair or to take that cross country biking trip consider some quick rider safety tips. Drivers should be aware that motorcycles and bicycles have a right to share the road and should be treated as you would treat any other vehicle. Cyclists should also remember that they are required to follow all traffic laws just as they would in a car. Because they have a low profile, motorists often don't see a cycle until it is too late. For motorists who are entering traffic from a driveway or an intersection, remember the rule; look left, right, and then left again, before proceeding.

Pace Yourself – A long day under the hot sun will tire you out. To prevent fatigue and dehydration make sure you eat well and don't use alcohol to satisfy your thirst. Alcohol will increase your dehydration and the hot sun combined with the dehydration will only compound the effects of the alcohol. Don't stay so long that you are totally worn out before you hit the road. If necessary, take turns driving home to avoid drowsy driving and falling asleep behind the wheel. Don't rely on energy drinks to make up for a lack of sleep.

Crowds - As family and friends gather together parking lots or small town festivals can mean big crowds. Be on the lookout for pedestrians and especially for children darting out into the street or behind your vehicle.

Have a happy and enjoyable Labor Day weekend and get home safe.

Labels: bicycle safety, driver safety, drowsy driving, motorcycle safety