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Washington County Health System
  
  Steering clear of motor vehicle accidents

 

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among people age forty-four and younger, and the number one cause of head and spinal cord injury. They also account for the majority of trauma cases at Washington County Hospital. According to Dr. Marc Kross, trauma surgeon at the hospital, the best way to avoid becoming a trauma patient is to drive defensively and wear your seat belt or motorcycle helmet.

Test your street smarts! How smart are you when it comes to motor vehicle dos and don’ts?

It is illegal to talk on a cell phone while driving in Maryland.
True
False
   
How much alcohol can a person drink before his or her driving is affected?
2 servings
4 servings
It depends.
   
How does tire pressure affect driving?
It only affects fuel efficiency, not safety.
Low pressure is safer because it slows you down.
Low pressure is more dangerous.
   
What’s the best way to handle aggressive drivers?
Drive as slowly as possible.
Shake your fist at them, because they shouldn’t get away with that kind of behavior unchallenged.
Contact the authorities.
   
When driving on the highway, you should leave a space equal to two to three car-lengths between you and the vehicle ahead. 
True
False
   
How much do safety belts reduce automobile fatalities?
20%
45%
60%+
   
It is a good idea to check both side and rear-view mirrors every fifteen seconds.
True
False
   
Driving defensively means…
Staying focused on the road
Staying awake and alert
Using your turn signals
All of the above
   
Where do most motor vehicle accidents occur?
Highway
Intersections
   
It is legal to text while driving in Maryland.
True
False
   

 

© 2009
Washington County Health System
251 East Antietam Street
Hagerstown, MD 21740
301-790-8000

TDD: 1-800-735-2258
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