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UPS and NETS Put the Brakes on Traffic Crashes

19 April 1999

UPS and NETS Put the Brakes on Traffic Crashes; National Drive Safely at Work Week, April 19th - April 23rd

    ATLANTA, April 19 -- UPS and the Network of Employers for
Traffic Safety (NETS) are joining forces this week to increase public
awareness of highway safety.  This year's "National Drive Safely at Work Week"
campaign places particular emphasis on seat belt use, road rage and aggressive
driving, impaired driving, sharing the road safely and distracted inattentive
people -- "DIPS" -- behind the wheel.
    Lapses in driver attention contribute to up to 90 percent of traffic
crashes, according to a study by the U.S. Department of Transportation.  In
the U.S. someone is injured in a traffic crash every 14 seconds, according to
the U.S. Department of Transportation -- meaning someone will have been
injured in a crash by the time you finish reading this paragraph.  Every
12 minutes, someone is killed in a traffic wreck.  Most of these accidents
could be avoided if drivers paid closer attention to the road.
    Among major National Drive Safely at Work Week participants is UPS, whose
corporate health and safety manager, Tom Walsh, is NETS chairman.
    "UPS has the safest driving record in the industry and provides in-depth
training for our drivers in order to continue that distinction," Walsh said.
"Traffic safety impacts all of us, so we are glad to help NETS build awareness
for this serious problem by sharing our experiences with the public."
    While logging more than 2 billion miles per year to deliver 3.14 billion
packages, UPS drivers witness every type of dangerous driving on the road --
most related to inattentive drivers.  Walsh cites the ten most common
inattentive behaviors UPS drivers experience on America's roadways:
    -- Driver Fatigue: Driver fatigue is the most common cause of traffic
       crashes caused by driver inattention.  Besides the obvious threat of
       falling asleep, weary drivers' minds are more likely to wander into a
       state of daydreaming.  Experts recommend fatigued drivers pull off the
       road and rest for at least 20 minutes before continuing their trip.
    -- Cell Phones: While cellular phones come in handy during roadside
       emergencies, they also take a driver's attention away from the road.
       If possible, place calls when you are not moving or before pulling into
       traffic.  When using a cell phone while driving, assess the traffic and
       use extra caution.
    -- Eating/Drinking: Drive-through orders account for more than 50 percent
       of fast-food restaurant sales, which means more and more Americans are
       eating behind the wheel.  If you must eat or drink while driving, be
       extra careful.
    -- Reading: Although traffic may be crawling, it is important to keep your
       eyes on the road instead of a book or newspaper.  Driving defensively
       means looking out for the driver who isn't.  If you are lost, pull to
       the side of the road to get your bearings or have a passenger read the
       map.
    -- Applying make-up or shaving: With more and more Americans on the go,
       some are tempted to do last minute grooming in the car.  Instead, allow
       yourself a little extra time in the morning or wait until you reach
       your destination.

    Rounding out the list are: adjusting the radio or changing audio tapes or
compact discs; gazing at roadside attractions or accidents; attending to small
children; working on a portable computer, and driving while impaired.
    "It's amazing to see the things people do when they should be paying
attention to the road," said UPS driver Michael Surges, who was recently named
Wisconsin Driver of the Year for his 30-year safe-driving record.  "Good
driver training coupled with a little common sense behind the wheel goes a
long way in reducing the number of traffic accidents."

    Common sense tips practiced by UPS drivers every day include:
    -- Aim high in steering: Rather than staring directly over the hood of the
       car, look farther down the road.  This gives you more time to adjust to
       changing traffic conditions and keeps your vehicle centered in the
       road.
    -- Get the big picture: Knowing what's ahead, beside and behind can help
       you make safe-driving decisions.
    -- Keep your eyes moving: Scan, don't stare.  Shift your eyes every few
       seconds and check your mirrors frequently.
    -- Leave yourself an out: Maintain a cushion of space on all four sides of
       your vehicle, especially in front.  Keep a four- to six-second interval
       between you and the traffic ahead.
    -- Make sure other drivers see you: Communicate in traffic.  Use turn
       signals, lights and the horn.  Establish eye contact.

    In conjunction with "National Drive Safely at Work Week," UPS will induct
more than 2,800 drivers into its Circle of Honor program.  The Circle of Honor
recognizes those drivers with 25 years or more of accident-free service.  This
year's Circle of Honor drivers will be acknowledged in a two-page USA Today
advertisement appearing this week.
    UPS is the world's largest express carrier and package delivery company,
serving more than 200 countries and territories around the world.
Headquartered in Atlanta, Ga., UPS has been rated the World's Most Admired
mail, package and freight delivery company by Fortune magazine, and just
recently won its 16th consecutive annual award as America's Most Admired
transportation company.