In the wake of anticipated increased highway traffic nationwide as states reopen for business and recreational activities, the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) is urging motorists to be careful.
“Safe driving takes practice,” GHSA Executive Director Jonathan Adkins said. “Many of us may be a little rusty behind the wheel, so it’s critical that drivers give the road and everyone on it their complete attention. Safety doesn’t take a holiday. Remember to buckle up, drive sober, stow your cell phone, and watch your speed. We have lost too many of our friends and neighbors, and we do not want to lose any more to traffic crashes.”
The potential increase in impaired driving is a potential concern, GHSA said, noting restaurants and bars will be reopening, and the potential exists for the public to shy away from public transportation and ride-sharing due to health concerns.
A recent IBM Institute of Business Value analysis determined nearly one-quarter of respondents would rely exclusively on their personal vehicle for transportation as a result of COVID-19.
The GHSA said State Highway Safety Offices (SHSOs) have launched initiatives to make the roads safer in the coming weeks, including the 13 statewide DUI task forces in Arizona conducting high-visibility saturation patrols. Connecticut will conduct advertising and social media campaigns to remind the public about the dangers of speeding and partnering with the state police to launch a speeding and aggressive driving enforcement campaign. In New York, the state police will conduct extra patrols, sobriety checkpoints, and underage drinking enforcement.