00:00TTPS Road Safety Officer Brent Batson tells the Morning Edition that driver behavior remains one of the biggest contributors to
00:09serious crashes, with speeding, reckless decision-making, and failure to obey traffic laws continuing to cost lives.
00:17You're approaching, this is a two-way road where roadworks has narrowed one lane, so it's literally single vehicle access
00:28into a tight space.
00:30Now, instead of somebody slowing down, you know, drivers sometimes speed up to try and rush the other drivers into
00:38that space. And, of course, if another driver is doing the same thing you're doing, somebody has to lose.
00:44Batson says police will continue to enforce traffic laws, particularly those targeting impaired driving and other dangerous offenses.
00:55The state increased DUI fines. A first-time offense is now $24,000. And a second offense can rack you
01:06up to $45,000. A third one will be jail time as well as driving disqualification and your fine.
01:13With schools now on vacation and the country in the rainy season, Officer Batson is urging motorists to ensure their
01:21vehicles are roadworthy, exercise greater caution, and remember that every decision made behind the wheel can have life-changing consequences.
01:31Unfortunately, when you combine speed with the wet road conditions, which we've been having a lot, it's a recipe for
01:38disaster.
01:39We told people, we reminded people, I should say that, you know, even preparing for the rainy season, please ensure
01:47that your tires are in proper condition.
01:50Please ensure that your wipers are working. And please remember that your key, one of the best friends and techniques
01:58that you can use to prevent accidents, especially on wet roadways, is increasing your falling distance.
02:04Far too much on the highway model, we're seeing even in heavy rainfall, people are too close behind the vehicle
02:09in front.
02:10So when there's an incident and traffic suddenly backs up, it turns into a four- and five-car smash
02:15-up because people are falling too close.
02:17Nicole M. Romany, TV6 News.
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