Most Americans think that speeding is bad, which is good, because as Lucy reminds us in Charlie Brown's Christmas, "the mere fact that you realize you need help indicates that you are not too far gone." According to a report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 91 percent of American drivers believe drivers should slow down, but more than two-thirds speed at least sometimes when they are on the road. Speed kills and is a factor in about one-third of all car accidents. While most drivers seem to recognize the increased risk of car accidents and fatalities that accompany speeding, a great many are willing to engage in this behavior. This conflicted perspective may be a result of the tendency of many drivers to recognize the failings of other drivers, yet are blinded by overconfidence bias with respect to their own behavior. The survey which was conducted by NTHSA…

We all know the holidays are fraught with peril when it comes to driving on the highways and byways. Everything seems to conspire to make the roads a more dangerous place. From fewer hours of daylight and more bad weather, to more parties and social events that entail alcohol and drinking, to frazzled shoppers attempting to find that one item to finish their shopping list, the streets and roads around Macon have many hazards. A study by the University of Alabama's Center for Advanced Public Safety, looking at data from that state, found during the holiday period, that the six days before Christmas were the most risky. That period had 18 percent more car accidents than Thanksgiving and 27 percent more than New Year's Day. It pays to take extra time and an extra deep breath. Racing through parking lots at stores, just to beat another driver to a parking…

There is no doubt that driving while intoxicated is a negligent and reckless decision. Alcohol impairs vision, decision making and reaction time, none of which are helpful when trying to drive. The unfortunate truth of the matter is that there are a seemingly endless number of accidents that act as an example of the damage that this behavior holds. A recent drunk driving accident occurred in Georgia that acts as an all too real reminder of the consequences of impaired driving. The accident occurred on Sunday, Nov. 8, at approximately 3:30 a.m. It started when a vehicle ran out of gas. The driver was forced to stop on the side of the road, and a Good Samaritan stopped to help. While the two vehicles were pulled over alongside the road, a third vehicle involved itself in the situation. This third vehicle wasn’t there to help. Instead, the driver slammed into the back…

You never think your are driving to a car accident. You get in their car or truck, and head down the road in Macon, or to destinations unknown in Georgia, but you never believe it will be your last drive. Certainly, Paul Walker and Roger Rodas did not believe when they left the charity event on Saturday they were going to crash within minutes. Sure, the car they were driving, a red 2005 Porsche Carrera GT was temperamental and could be dangerous if mishandled. But, they were both experienced racecar drivers. The driver could easily handle the Porsche on a city street well enough to avoid a car accident. Nonetheless, the Carrera GT struck a utility pole and exploded into flames, killing both men. Police ruled out that they were street racing with another car, but they suspect speed played a role in the accident. The Carrera GT is a car…