DriveAlert ArriveAlive
Transportation and law enforcement officials across Georgia this week(May 11) kicked off DriveAlert ArriveAlive, a year-long multi-agency campaign to call attention to an alarming 25 percent increase in roadway fatalities in the first quarter of 2015 and how changes in driver behavior can help to decrease these numbers. DriveAlert ArriveAlive, implores motorists to help turn the tide on these increasing crashes and fatalities. Drivers are asked to focus on driving, to not drive impaired and to wear a seatbelt to reduce the chance of serious injury or death if there is a crash.
“Compared to the first quarter of last year, fatalities are up significantly in just the first three months of 2015. If we continue at this rate, we could see the first increase in traffic fatalities in Georgia in nine years,” said Georgia DOT Commissioner Russell McMurry. “That’s just unacceptable – especially when many of these crashes can be prevented by changing driver behavior.”
DriveAlert ArriveAlive asks drivers to drive responsibility by following three steps every time they get behind the wheel.
- Buckle up … It’s the law. Seat belts reduce the risk of fatality in a crash by about 45% and serious injury by about 50%.
- Stay off the phone and mobile devices … If possible, shut off the phone to avoid temptation [even hands-free is a distraction]. No texting [Georgia law bans texting and driving]. Just drive.
- Drive alert … Do not drive drowsy or impaired.