North Reading Police Offer Summer Driving Safety Tips

For Immediate Release

Friday, May 29, 2015

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Contact: Jessica Sacco
Email: jessica@jgpr.net
Phone: 978-769-5193

North Reading Police Offer Summer Driving Safety Tips

NORTH READING — As more residents hit the open road for summer trips, Police Chief Michael P. Murphy advises operators to be respectful of other drivers on the road and to always be responsible when behind the wheel.

“We cannot stress enough how important it is to be a cautious and respectful driver,” Chief Murphy said. “We hope to see no motor vehicle accidents or impaired driving this season.”

• Don’t text and drive. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports a quarter of teens respond to a text message once or more every time they drive. Additionally, NHTSA reports that the average text takes your eyes off the road for five seconds. While traveling at 55 miles per hour, it’s enough time to cover the length of a football field blindfolded.

• If you can, while behind the wheel, keep your phone off. This will help ensure drivers’ focus remains solely on the road. NHTSA reports that engaging in tasks like reaching for your phone, dialing and texting increases the risk of getting into a crash threefold.

• Never get behind the wheel if you’ve been drinking and don’t get in a vehicle with an impaired driver. According to the Center for Disease Control, in 2013, 10,076 people were killed in alcohol-impaired driving crashes, accounting for nearly one-third (31 percent) of all traffic-related deaths in the United States.

• Obey the speed limit. Speeding is a major contributor to motor vehicle accidents and fatal car crashes. Don’t feel pressured to speed to keep up with traffic or friends on the road. Also, speeding tickets are often pricey and will result in an increase on your insurance premium.

• Be a defensive driver. Remain cognizant of the traffic ahead, behind, and next to you at all times. Stay at least one car length behind the car in front of you, especially in areas where the speed limit is slower. Remember to share the road with bikers on side roads, even if shared lanes are not marked. Turn your headlights on to increase visibility. A new Massachusetts law now requires drivers to put their headlights on when windshield wipers are in motion.

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