Read This Before You Drive | National Traffic Awareness Month
August 7, 2024

As provider of health, home and auto insurance, we want to highlight National Traffic Awareness month this August. National Traffic Awareness Month aims to raise awareness and emphasize the critical importance of road safety.
Recent Accidents in Guam
According to Post Daily News Guam there are 29 deaths in 2023. It is the highest it has ever been according to Guam Police Department. With this year 2024 GPD confirms 7th traffic death. Additionally, following the recent accident on Thursday, August 1st, six individuals were involved in the crash, with three being transported to the hospital for their injuries. Sgt. Paul Tapao factored out the three main causes of the accidents: speed, alcohol and impaired driving. Sgt. Tapao advised the public to designate a sober driver when attending parties and comply with the speed limits.
5 Ways Alcohol Impairs Your Driving
Driving under the influence is a serious crime and it puts your life at a high risk while driving. Here are 5 ways alcohol impairs your driving.
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Delayed Reaction Time. Drinking slows down your response to different situations. For instance, if a vehicle brakes suddenly, it will take your brain some time to process the situation.
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Poor Coordination. Alcohol affects your motor skills, like your eye, hand and foot coordination. Signs of poor coordination include trouble walking and inability to stand straight.
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Distraction. Driving requires full concentration. You need to stay in your lane, follow and maintain speed limits, and pay attention to other cars and traffic signals.
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Unfocused Vision. After drinking, your vision starts to blur. With impaired vision, you won’t be ablet to estimate how far everything is. For instance, you won’t be able to slow down in time for those potholes.
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Poor judgement. Your brain regulates your ability to assess various situations. You need to make clear decisions if another car cuts you off.
Speed
Our highway road speeds are 35 miles per hour. It’s important to stay within the speed limits, for it lowers your risks. Keep an eye out for speed limit changes depending on where you’re headed to.
Overall, the bottom line is to not drive under the influence and speed. It’s important to avoid these risky behaviors to ensure your safety and others on the road. Prioritizing these practices will help you stay alert and responsive while driving.
Sources
- “Drinking and Driving (DUI).” Alcohol Rehab Guide, 9 Jan. 2024
- Four suffer minor injuries in multi-car crash in Barrigada Heights, expect traffic delays
- Hirayama, Matsuki. “Driver in Dededo Car Crash Has Died, Seventh Life Lost on the Roads in 2024.”
- Tenorio , Shane Healy. “29 Traffic Fatalities Recorded in 2023.” The Guam Daily Post, 31 Dec. 2023
- Tenorio , Shane Healy. GPD Confirms 7th Traffic Death This Year, The Guam Daily Post , 30 July 2024
- Tenorio , Shane Healy. “‘The Highest I’ve Ever Seen’: Traffic Death Toll for 2023 Rises to 29.” The Guam Daily Post, 29 Nov. 2023