Bob Doruma Journal

Friday, January 23, 2009

Are You A Bad Driver?

When asked, almost everyone will claim they are a good driver, yet the National Highway Safety Traffic Administration (NHSTA) statistics show otherwise.Ever year, 40, 000 drivers are killed in auto accidents.Of these, 98 percent were caused by distracted drivers.

This means that, statistically speaking, most of us would be considered bad drivers.Surprising?Not really.Human behavior alone dictates that people will lean more towards breaking rules than living by them, so why would driving be any different?

However, no one would argue the fact that being a good driver equals being a safe driver but just what is a 'good driver.'


Traits of Good Drivers


Good drivers are often defined by their ability to operate their vehicles and obey the law.

Other positive traits include:


- Car maintenance - a good driver makes sure his car is kept up and in tip top shape.

Things like break pads and tire treads are routinely checked as they can affect the safety of the vehicle.

- Courtesy - a good driver is courteous...he doesn't cut people off and will always concede the right of way when applicable.

- Obeys the laws of the road - a good driver is conscientious of the rules in his city and state and follows them.

- Observant - a driver keeps both hands on the wheel and his or her eyes on the road.By doing just these two things, the driver reduces his own chances of getting involved in a major accident and could avoid a major pile up that may ensnare other, less attentive motorists.

Traits of Bad Drivers


On the opposite end of the spectrum, a bad driver feels he or she is above the law and can do whatever they want.

They often engage in risky behaviors that can be hazardous to themselves and other drivers.

The traits of bad drivers include:


- Speeding - drivers who speed seldom realize that each mile per hour over the speed limit increases the risks of death should a collision occur.

Slowing down decreases this risk and may even enable you to react in time to avoid an accident.

- Cell phone use - there is nothing wrong with having a cell phone but plenty wrong with talking on one while driving.Statistics indicate that individuals who chat on the phone while driving have the same impairment as a drunk driver with a .08% alcohol level.

- Rude aggressive behavior - Aggressive drivers are not only bad drivers but they are very reckless and have no respect for anyone other than themselves.If someone is driving too slowly, go around them.If they flip you off, ignore them.Flashing lights at slow drivers or amping up dangerous behaviors due to someone else's belligerent attitude can end up endangering your life and the lives of others.

- Constant distraction - picking stuff up form the car floor boards or yelling at the unruly kids in the back seat are not activities one should engage in while driving.It is always best in scenarios where your attention will be taken off of the road to pullover rather than to continue driving.

- Poor car upkeep - driving with worn car treads or ignoring obvious break problems makes the car far more dangerous than a car that is routinely taken care of.

If you find that you are bad driver, don't despair.It is never too late to start adopting the traits of a responsible motorist.The trick is to change your mindset.It isn't our god given right to be able to speed or chat on the cell phone when driving - in fact, these things can contribute to a life altering accident.

Indeed, you won't be able to change your driving habits until you realize how potentially harmful they are.Once you do this, you will become not only a safer driver but a more conscientious one as well.


About the Author

Complete home and car insurance in Ontario.

Get an accurate, no obligation car insurance quote in Ontario online.We will help you select the best coverage for your needs.

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Sunday, January 4, 2009

Food Production And Safety Requirements -- How Everyone Stays Safe

Working with food, particularly those that are consumed by someone else, requires the utmost attention to safety.In the food production industry, everyone needs to use disposable shirt protection, hearing and head protection, chainmail, and other safety items to prevent injuries.These precautions also prevent contamination and keep others from getting sick.Here are some of the items used in the food industry to keep everyone safe from harm.

Disposable Shirt Protection And Clothing


Standard disposable shirt protection and safety garments play two important roles in the food production industry.

One of the first ways protective clothing helps keep everyone safe is by preventing lint, hair, and other items that may be on a shirt from falling into the food.Secondly, disposable shirt protection keeps the food from getting on your own clothing.This helps keep the mess contained so that it does not contaminate other areas outside of the work area.

Head And Hair Covers


When working with food items that someone else will consume, you should always keep your hair and head covered with either a mesh-like hairnet or a paper-like hat.

This prevents hair and dander from falling into the food.Employees working in a commercial plant may also have to wear a hardhat.This will protect them if something would happen to fall off the conveyor belts that carry the food down the line.

Metal Armor


In processing jobs that require the use of knives, safety rules generally require them to wear special safety 'armor' often called chainmail to protect against cuts and other knife injuries.

Chainmail is a tight metal mesh that goes over your body like a shirt and across the tops of your legs.The mesh is designed to keep the knife from going through and making contact with your skin.For added protection, workers may also wear metal gloves over their regular gloves to protect their hands.

Hand Protection


When working with food, gloves made from materials such as plastic or latex are a must.

This helps minimize the chance of contaminating other foods or spreading germs and diseases to other surfaces.You need to change them each time you move from one type of food to the next.In a restaurant, you may need to change them between meals.Manufacturing plants may simply require you to change them at each break or several set times throughout the day.

Footwear


All workers need to wear the proper shoes when working in the food industry.

These may or may not have steel toes, but the most important thing is that they cover your entire foot.In some situations such as in hospitals and production plants, you may also be asked to have a designated pair that are only used in the workplace, or you may be required to use shoe covers while in the work area.This keeps outside dirt from entering the food prep area and protects your feet if you would drop a knife or spill a hot liquid.

Protection For Your Ears


Traditional restaurants and smaller businesses in the food industry will likely not require hearing protection.

Industrial production plants, however, use large machines to make production faster and easier.These machines often combine to increase the noise in the workplace to an unhealthy level.These situations require workers to wear earmuffs or earplugs at all times.

Businesses in the food industry keep the safety of the consumer and their employees in the forefront of their minds at all times, Disposable shirt protection and other required safety gear play a large part in achieving this goal.Unfortunately, these items aren't enough on their own -- everyone needs adequate training and information to ensure everyone from the workers in the plant to the end consumer stays safe while enjoying a quality product.


About the Author

Christine O'Kelly is an author for MPE Safety Apparel, leading supplier of Tyvek shirt protection.

In addition to offering disposable shirt products, they offer a full line of recycled protective clothing including biohazard suits, pants, and shoe covers.

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