Improve Your Chance of Getting Where You're Going --- and Back

My husband once owned a small Air Coupe airplane and would use any excuse he could find to head for the airport for an afternoon or early evening flight. He didn't particularly enjoy flying alone, and although he triedhis best to find people willing to jump into his plane at a moment's notice to soar around the sky above our small town, I often found myself to be the only available companion on a given afternoon.

Did I mention that I hate flying? No matter how many hours we logged together, and how many times my husband insisted that statistics prove that flying is safer than driving, I have never become an avid fan.

He was right about one thing. Per mile traveled, flying is safer than driving; and although fatal accidents have decreased over the last few years, the number of automobile accidents continues to increase. I doubt that new inventions such as putting auto-pilot equipment on cars will ever solve the problem of automobile accidents, but there are some things that can be done to lessen the number that do occur each year.


Increase Penalties For DUIA Convictions:


We need to impose automatic and severe penalties for a first DUIA conviction. A large percentage of fatal auto accidents result from one or more of the drivers being under the influence of alcohol. Many of these drivers have been cited over and over for driving under the influenced of alcohol. If the first sentence had brought a severe penalty, drivers would, hopefully, be less likely to repeat the offence. Subsequent offenses should result in revoked driving privileges for a substantial period of time.


Avoid Those "Deadly" Driving Days Whenever Possible:

We should encourage drivers to avoid the "deadly" driving days. Studies show that the 3rd and 4th days of July are the absolute worst for fatal accidents, largely due to increased alcohol consumption on those two days. New Year's Eve, Christmas Eve, and Labor Day are also very bad days to be out on the road unless it is absolutely necessary. Plan ahead and drive as little as possible.

Don't Do Unnecessary Driving On Week-ends: