New studies are showing that as gas prices are rapidly rising, fatalities from auto accidents are on the decline up to 33%. The study conducted examined auto accidents from 1985-2006, and even broke down their findings by age groups.

Professors Michael Morrisey of the University of Alabama at Birmingham and David Grabowski of Harvard Medical School said they found that for every 10 percent increase in gas prices there was a 2.3 percent decline in auto deaths. For drivers ages 15 to 17, the decline was 6 percent, and for ages 18 to 21, it was 3.2 percent.

Their study looked at fatalities from 1985 to 2006, when gas prices reached about $2.50 a gallon. With gas now averaging more than $4 a gallon, Morrisey said he expects to see much greater drop — about 1,000 deaths a month.

With annual auto deaths typically ranging from about 38,000 to 40,000 a year, a drop of 12,000 deaths would cut the total by nearly a third, Morrisey said in an interview with The Associated Press.

Factors of the decline include teens who can’t afford to drive as much, the switch from bigger vehicles to those that are more compact and fuel efficient, and people driving slower to conserve fuel.
 

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Part of defensive driving and safe driving is learning how to drive safely during long trips or at odd hours. The National Safety Council suggests four key tips:

• When the signs of fatigue begin to show, get off the road. Take a short nap in a well-lit area. Do not simply stop on the side of the road.

• Avoid driving between 12am and 6am

• Stop for light meals and snacks

• When planning long trips: Share driving responsibilities with a companion

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration also suggests consuming caffeine via soda or coffee. Safety of our nations highways depends on safe driving. Without it, tragedy results.

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The National Safety Council recommends several tips for avoiding the pain, agony, and expense of car accidents by being a good defensive driver:

• Notify the police immediately after seeing a motorist who is driving suspiciously.

• Follow the rules of the road. Don’t contest the “right of way” or try to race another car during a merge. Be respectful of other motorists.

• Don’t follow too closely. Always use a “three-second following distance” or a “three-second plus following distance.”

• Don’t kid yourself. If you plan to drink, designate a driver who won’t drink. Alcohol is a factor in almost half of all fatal motor vehicle crashes.

• While driving, be cautious, aware and responsible.

Hopefully these tips will help you be a better defensive driver.

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