Nashville, Tennessee --- The Tennessee Department of Safety and the Tennessee Highway Patrol are joining agencies across the nation in a safe driving awareness effort this week.  The goal is to get drivers to protect themselves and others by adopting smart driving habits.

Drive Safely Work Week runs from Monday, October 2, through Friday, October 6.  This year’s theme, Safe Driving is YOUR Responsibility. Make the Commitment, promotes 10 positive steps drivers can take to ensure the safety of everyone who shares the road while traveling for work or commuting to and from their jobs.

“Driving is something almost every employee does, whether it’s business-related travel or just commuting to and from work,” said Governor Phil Bredesen.  “When a crash occurs, it impacts the entire workplace community.  Preventing traffic crashes through safe driving practices will save immeasurable pain and suffering and drive down the cost of doing business.”

In 2000, motor vehicle crashes cost employers $60 billion.  On-the-job crashes totaled $40 billion and off-the-job crashes cost $20 billion.

“The most dangerous part of the work day is often the time spent behind the wheel,” said Interim Department of Safety Commissioner Gerald Nicely. “That’s why it’s so important for drivers to wear safety belts, stay calm when they’re driving and drive defensively.”

Nationally, traffic crashes are the leading cause of on-the-job deaths.  One in four work-related deaths occurs in a traffic-related trauma.  Statistics show a crash occurs every five seconds in the United States and someone dies in a traffic crash every 12 minutes.

“The advice in the Drive Safely Work Week campaign is good, common sense that every driver should use,” said THP Colonel Mike Walker.  “If people followed the 10 Steps for Responsible Driving, there would be fewer traffic crashes, and Tennessee families could avoid the heartache that occurs when a loved one is injured or killed while traveling.”

This is the 10th year for the Drive Safely Work Week campaign, which is sponsored nationally by the Network of Employers for Traffic Safety (NETS).  The effort encourages drivers to practice 10 positive driving habits:

10 Steps for Responsible Driving TM

1. Plan YOUR Route
2. Maintain YOUR Vehicle
3. Focus YOUR Attention
4. Minimize YOUR Distractions
5. Know YOUR Surroundings
6. Share YOUR Space
7. Watch YOUR Speed
8. Keep YOUR Distance
9. Signal YOUR Intentions
10. Always Wear YOUR Seatbelt

The Tennessee Department of Safety's mission is (www.tennessee.gov/safety) to ensure the safety and general welfare of the public. The department encompasses the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Office of Homeland Security and Driver License Services. General areas of responsibility include law enforcement, safety education, motorist services and terrorism prevention.