What's Your Reason To Make It Home?

What is the first thing you do when you get in your vehicle? Put your seatbelt on or pick a radio station? What about turning your phone off and putting it in an unreachable, non-distracting place? For most of us, this is not the first step we think about before operating our vehicles, but why not? According to the 2018 North Dakota Crash Summary, when you drive distracted you are 23x more at risk to crash and 6x more likely to crash than a drunk driver. Many of us fear coming in contact with an impaired driver, but in reality, distracted driving happens all day everyday and is even more dangerous. It is up to each of us to make the conscious decision to get rid of all distractions and focus on the task at hand - getting you, your family, and everyone else on the road home safely. 

Why is this important to Titan Machinery?

We value safety at the forefront of our principles, and we know the steps it takes to achieve the safest standards we can. Our team members are constantly getting into vehicles, driving to see customers, and driving from home to work and back each day. We want to do whatever it takes to protect them and others on the road.

Did You Know? 

Did you know that our brains are physically incapable of giving 100% of our attention to more than one task. When you are driving and talking on the phone, you are splitting your attention between at least two activities - driving and talking. In addition, drivers who are talking on the phone, even on a hands free device, are up to 4 times more likely to be involved in a crash. 80% of people think hands-free devices are a great way to avoid distracted driving, but more than 30 studies show that hands-free devices don't make driving any safer, because the brain remains distracted by the conversation and fail to see 50% of their surroundings. National Safety Council

Distraction does not mean just texting and driving. Distraction is – taking eyes, hands, or mental attention away from driving.
    

What is your reason to make it home? 

What is your reason to make it home safe? Your family, friends, your future, your coworkers, yourself? Whatever your reason, remember it every time you get in your vehicle, and do not forget your reason why. It is up to each of us to take responsibility for our actions behind the wheel. It is important to remember that every driving decision you make has consequences, not just for yourself, but for others. You are the only person that can control your behavior and decisions. 

Safe Driving Tips 

1. Develop a habit of turning your phone off when you get into your vehicle.

2. Do not pair your phone with your vehicles Bluetooth system to avoid the temptation of distraction.

3. Put your cellphone in the trunk or a storage space where you cannot see it or reach it. 

4. If you spend a lot of time on the road, schedule stops on your route to return calls when you are safely parked. For employees who drive frequently, this method can help maintain productivity and accessibility. Frequent stops also improve your driving awareness. 

5. Enjoy cell phone-free driving. You may find you will arrive at your destination more relaxed and refreshed. 

Find out what you can do to advocate for safe driving here.