Department of Motor Vehicles

July 13, 2015

DMV AND THE GOVERNOR’S TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMITTEE OFFER TIPS FOR TRAVELERS TO STAY SAFE THIS SUMMER

New Video Urges New Yorkers to ‘Take Safety Along for the Ride’ this Summer

The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC) today shared a number of tips to keep New Yorkers safe in their travels this summer season. In addition, as part of their ongoing efforts to remind New Yorkers of the importance of staying safe in the summer, the DMV and GTSC have also produced a new YouTube video aimed at summer travel safety titled: ‘Take Safety Along for the Ride.”

“With summer in full swing, the DMV and our partners at the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee urge summer travelers to take extra precautions to protect themselves, their passengers and others on the roadways,” said Terri Egan, DMV Deputy Commissioner. “Warmer weather increases the number of motorists, motorcyclists, bicyclists and others on the roadways and we ask all New Yorkers to keep this in mind as they travel - please share the road.”

During this time of year, children are out of school, families are traveling, motorcyclists and bicyclists are on the road and people are spending more time outdoors.  DMV and GTSC urge all drivers to keep their eyes on the road and avoid using cell phones or sending text messages that could result in distracted driving. To help combat the increase in texting violations statewide, Governor Cuomo recently announced the launch of two public service announcements that highlight the dangerous consequences texting while driving could have on motorists, passengers, pedestrians and bicyclists.

DMV and GTSC also remind everyone that summer is road construction time and that they should expect occasional delays and detours as they travel statewide. Heat and delays can lead to stress, fatigue and aggressive driving. Tips for avoiding stress and aggressive driving include:

• Observe common courtesy and consciously try to avoid actions that can provoke other drivers.
• Take measures to reduce your own stress so that you are less likely to feel aggressive yourself.
• Try to adjust your attitude about why other drivers are behaving the way they are.
• Keep your emotions in check and think about the consequences of your behavior before you react.

More safety tips on how to avoid stress and aggressive drivers are available here.

Summertime is also a popular period for the state’s more than 700,000 licensed motorcyclists to take a ride. DMV and GTSC remind motorists to watch for motorcyclists, as well as bicyclists and pedestrians, during the warmer months and share the road with them.

The following are some tips for drivers to help keep motorcyclists safe on our roadways:

• Always allow a motorcyclist the full lane width - never try to share a lane.
• Perform a visual check for motorcycles by checking mirrors and blind spots before entering or exiting a lane of traffic, and at intersections.
• Always signal your intentions before changing lanes or merging with traffic.
• Allow more following distance - three or four seconds - when behind a motorcycle so the motorcyclist has enough time to maneuver or stop in an emergency.
• Never tailgate. In dry conditions, motorcycles can stop more quickly than cars.
• Never drive while distracted.

Motorcyclists can increase their safety by:

• Avoiding riding in poor weather conditions.
• Wearing brightly colored protective gear and a Department of Transportation-compliant helmet.
• Using turn signals for every turn or lane change, even if the rider thinks no one will see it.
• Combining hand signals and turn signals to draw more attention to themselves.
• Using reflective tape and stickers to increase conspicuity.
• Positioning themselves in the lane where they will be most visible to other drivers.
• Never driving while impaired.

Additional motorcycle safety tips are available here.

“Summertime is one of the best times of the year to get outside and enjoy all that New York State has to offer – from great beaches and state parks, to enjoying a ballgame or driving or cycling along one of the state’s many scenic roadways,” said Chuck DeWeese, GTSC Assistant Commissioner. “GTSC urges drivers and motorcyclists to be aware of others on the roadways, including bicyclists, and to share the road safely. Remember that during the summer months, as well as other times of year, there is zero tolerance for distracted or impaired driving.”

To combat the problem of impaired driving in the state, Governor Cuomo recently announced a multi-media campaign to reduce drug or alcohol-impaired driving. The campaign, funded by GTSC, builds on the state’s ongoing efforts to combat impaired driving and reduce the number of traffic fatalities. Seventy-eight campaign billboards with a message that reads ‘Impaired Drivers Take Lives. Think’ now appear across the state. GTSC also produced a 30-second public service announcement as part of the campaign.

For more information on the state’s highway safety programs, contact the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee at 518-474-5111, or visit http://www.safeny.ny.gov/.

###