Be Smart About Driving

Prepared and Developed by Erin Choi, UCOP Student Intern

 Statistics
• In the United States every:
– 12 minutes someone dies in a motor vehicle
accident
– 10 seconds someone in injured
– 5 seconds a collision occurs

• In California alone 40,000-50,000 automobile

accidents are reported on average per year
• Of the 40,000-50,000 accidents 30,000 result
in an injury
 U.S. Accidental Deaths - 2004
U-I Deaths, 2004
• 111,000
Accidental All Other, 18,700
Deaths in the
U.S. in 2004 Drow ning, 3,800
Motor Vehicle,
• 46,200 Fires, Burns,
3,900
46,200

Deaths Choking*, 4,900

(42%) Were
Motor Poisoning,

Vehicle 13,300

Related Falls, 20,200

*Suffocation by inhalation or ingestion of food or object.

 University of California
Motor Vehicle Claims
• Auto Liability (2000 to 2006)
– 1457 Claims for $7.4 Million
• Auto Physical Damage (2000 – 2006)
– 1781 Claims for $3.2 Million
• Auto-Related Workers Compensation
Claims (2002-2006)
– 555 Claims for $4.9 Million
 Basics of Safe Driving
• Always wear a seatbelt
• Adjust the seat and check mirrors
• Pay attention
• Do not talk on the phone
• Never drive impaired
• Do not speed
• Never run stop signs or red lights
• Give pedestrians the right of way
• Get rid of all other distractions
• Look out for the other driver – Drive defensively
 Avoid Becoming a Victim of a
Break-In
• LOCK the doors and close the windows
• Do not leave valuables in plain view,
put them out of sight in the trunk
or under the seat
• Deter auto theft by using a steering
wheel club
Never leave your car running or leave
the keys in the car unattended even for
a minute. Take the keys with you and
lock the doors every time.
Don’t Compromise Safety for Comfort
• Set your head rest at the top of your ear level
• Make sure your seat belt is properly secured
• Adjust your seat to be in the correct way to wear a seat belt
upright position
Sitting upright Slouching

Make sure your seat belt it secure

across your shoulders and waist.
Make sure your seat is not reclined
too far and that you can reach the
gas and brake pedals with ease.
 Be a Defensive Driver
Driving defensively means being responsible for your own
actions but also keeping an eye out for other drivers.
• Secure all passengers with safety belts
• Driving too fast or too slow raises the likelihood of an
accident
• Alcohol is a factor in nearly half of all fatal motor vehicle
crashes. Never drink and drive
• Stay clear if you notice a car swerving, making wide turns, or
stopping abruptly, the driver may be impaired
• Do not follow too close or cut off other drivers
• Allow 3 to 6 seconds reaction time
.
• Abide by the rules of the road and respect other drivers
Most Common Causes of Fatal
Automobile Crashes
1. Distracted drivers
Keep from:
• Talking on the cell phone
• Looking at scenery or “rubbernecking”
• Adjusting the radio/ loud music
Most Common Causes of Fatal
Automobile Crashes
2. Driver fatigue – You should:
• Pull over & stop if drowsy
• Take a break from driving every 2
hours
• Share driving time
• Get a good nights rest before a long
trip
Most Common Causes of Fatal
Automobile Crashes
3. Drunk driving
never mix drinking with driving

always:
• designate a driver in advance
Most Common Causes of Fatal
Automobile Crashes
4. Speeding – Always:
• Obey the speed limit
• Do not drive in a hurry
• Give yourself extra time to recognize
hazards around you
Most Common Causes of Fatal
Automobile Crashes
5. Aggressive driving –
Do not:
• Tailgate or frequently change lanes
• Deliberately cut off another vehicle

If you encounter an aggressive driver:

• Remain calm & keep your distance
• Do not pass unless you have to
• Change lanes once it is safe
Most Common Causes of Fatal
Automobile Crashes
6. Weather – Be careful of:
• Heavy rain
• Hail
• High winds
• Ice and snow
• Fog
 Rental Cars
• Make sure everything is working
properly
– Scratches, dents, under/over inflated tires
• Familiarize yourself with your new car
– Locations of speedometer, gas gauge, light
switches, windshield wipers, and defroster
• Make sure you know how they work
– Before you head out onto traffic
• Feel out brakes, gas, & steering - These vary
from car to car
What to Do if There is an Accident
• Stop and pull out of traffic if possible
• Check for & aid injuries & call 911 if needed
• Exchange names, insurance information,
drivers license information, and phone
numbers with involved driver(s)
• Get the names, addresses, and phone
numbers of any witnesses
Try to avoid dangerous situations
by being a defensive driver.
However, if an accident should
occur, you need to take certain
steps to avoid potential
complications.
 Motor Vehicle Accident While on
UC Business
• UCOP Webpage
– http://www.ucop.edu/purchserv/coverageguide.html#ownveh
• Primary Insurance Coverage
– Rental Car (UC Corporate ID)– Rental Car Co.
– Personal Vehicle – Personal Insurance
• Contact Supervisor
– Supervisor should contact UCOP Risk
Manager, Karen Vecchi 510-987-9826
• Injury – Contact Supervisor & HR Benefits
– Emergency – Go to nearest Emergency Room
 Be Safe, Be Courteous

The 30 seconds you save by speeding

is not worth getting into a crash. Slow
down and give yourself plenty of time
to get to your destination