By Chad Engle, Loss Prevention and Safety Manager
Summer in Nebraska means open roads, family vacations, and increased activity. For county governments, however, it also signals a heightened risk on the roadways. NIRMA understands these risks intimately. In fact, car crashes stand as NIRMA’s number one loss leader, underscoring the critical importance of defensive driving, especially during these busy summer months.
The warmer weather and longer days bring a unique set of challenges to our roads. More recreational drivers, often unfamiliar with local routes, share the highways. An increase in pedestrian traffic, and other types of traffic (motorcycles, farm equipment, ATVs, bicycles), particularly with children out of school, demands heightened awareness. Road construction projects proliferate, creating detours, lane closures, and unexpected hazards. Add to this the potential for impaired driving during holiday celebrations and the increased risk of driver fatigue on long trips, and the recipe for motor vehicle crashes becomes clear.
These summertime factors directly contribute to the very incidents that drive NIRMA’s losses. Every crash, no matter how minor, impacts county resources – from vehicle repairs and increased cost of coverages to potential workers’ compensation claims and, most importantly, the human cost of injuries and fatalities.
This is where defensive driving becomes not just a good idea, but a vital necessity for everyone. Defensive driving is about proactively anticipating and reacting to potential hazards. It’s about making the correct choices when driving. It’s about taking personal responsibility for safety on the road, protecting not only yourself and your passengers but also the valuable assets and reputation of your county.
Here are some key defensive driving principles particularly relevant for summer travel:
- Eliminate Distractions: With more to see and do, the temptation to multitask while driving increases. Put away phones, avoid eating or grooming, and keep your focus squarely on the road.
- Maintain Safe Following Distances: Summer traffic can be unpredictable. Allowing ample space between your vehicle and the one in front provides crucial reaction time, especially when encountering sudden stops or erratic driving from other motorists.
- Anticipate Others’ Actions: Assume other drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists may make mistakes. Be prepared for unexpected lane changes, sudden stops, or individuals stepping into the road. Look twice and then look again.
- Adjust to Conditions: Summer weather can change rapidly, bringing sudden downpours, strong winds, or even sun glare. Adjust your speed and driving habits accordingly.
- Practice Patience: Traffic delays due to construction or increased volume are inevitable. Plan extra time for your journeys and resist the urge to speed or drive aggressively. Road rage benefits no one and significantly increases accident risk.
- Ensure Vehicle Readiness: Hot weather puts extra strain on vehicles. Regularly check tires for proper inflation, inspect fluid levels, and ensure your vehicle is functional and safe to operate. A breakdown can put you in a dangerous situation.
- Stay Rested and Sober: Drowsy driving is as dangerous as impaired driving. Get adequate rest before long trips and never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Wear your seatbelt and require everyone else in your vehicle to do the same!
By embracing these defensive driving habits, we all can significantly reduce the risk of being involved in a crash. This not only safeguards personal well-being but also directly contributes to NIRMA’s mission of effective risk management, ultimately protecting the financial health and operational continuity of our member counties and related agencies. As always, I can be reached at chad@nirma.info and 1.800.642.6671.
