Best Way to Drive Safe? Stay Focused

Even though its the law, Bridgewater police are still finding people talking and texting while driving.

And one organization is hoping to make that stop.

As sponsored by the Network of Employers for Traffic Safety, and supported by TransOptions in northwestern New Jersey, Oct. 4 through Oct. 8 has been labeled Drive Safely Work Week.

Employers are asked to promote safe driving practices among their employees.

Although the Bridgewater Township Police Department has nothing special planned for the week itself, Lt. Alfred Nicaretta said there are still tips drivers should remember when traveling, particularly with regard to distractions.

The main focus of this year's Drive Safely Work Week is actually about minimizing distractions.

"I think the most important safety tip for drivers to remember is to remain focused on what you are doing," Nicaretta said. "If something happens around you when you are driving, pay attention to what you are doing, and keep your eyes in front of you."

For drivers, Nicaretta said, one of the most important things to remember is to keep eyes in front, and not pay attention to things happening off to the side or even from behind.

"Too many times, I've had drivers tell me that they hit the car in front of them because they were trying to watch the car behind because he was tailgating them," he said.

But keeping eyes in front, Nicaretta said, also involves staying off the cell phone and not sending text messages while driving, both of which distract drivers from the road.

Unfortunately, Nicaretta said, despite a state law, and the possibility of danger, he does not believe drivers will stop using their cell phones while driving because it has become too ingrained at this point.

"Drivers who continually break the law with regard to these things will probably continue to break the law," he said. "Not much will change their habits, not even a ticket. Only a small minority that receives summonses for these infractions will stop breaking the law."

And yet, Nicaretta said, parents especially should also remember that their children are following the examples they set on the road. Whatever the kids see from their parents, he said, is often what they will do when it is their turn to get behind the wheel of the car.

"Kids will inherently do what they see us do as parents and drivers," he said. "The best way to teach our kids good habits is to have good habits, and obey the laws ourselves while driving with our kids."