Road Safety: Together for the Holidays, let's make the road safer!

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The prefecture and the community of Saint-Martin remind road users of the importance of respecting good driving rules on public roads, in particular during this holiday season.

Risky driving represents a high proportion of the cause of road mortality in Saint-Martin, in particular for two-wheeled drivers. At the end of the year, it is important to remember the good rules to follow together, for a safer road. The main accident factors in Saint-Martin are:

• excessive consumption of alcohol and drugs;

• the phone while driving and non-compliance with the Highway Code.

Each year in France, nearly 30% of fatal accidents are due to excessive alcohol intake. To reverse this trend, strict compliance with the legal limit on drinking and driving is essential. From the first drink of alcohol, the risks on the road are very real.

If you plan on drinking in the evening, make arrangements so that the night doesn't end tragically:

  Designate a driver who does not drink alcohol. This remains one of the best solutions to be sure to return home safely;

   use a breathalyzer marked "NF". If you exceed the authorized limit, set at 0,5 g / l or 0,2 g / l if you hold a probationary permit, wait on the spot for your rate to be reduced;   ask a friend who hasn't been drinking to walk you home, or use public transport or a taxi;

  don't let a friend who's been drinking get behind the wheel;

do not get into a vehicle the driver of which is not fit to drive.

The alcohol-drug cocktail to be avoided

Each year in Saint-Martin, those under 24, mainly two-wheeled users, are the main victims on the road. The simultaneous use of cannabis and alcohol is often involved in these serious accidents. The drug / alcohol cocktail increases the risk of having a fatal accident by 29. In question, the cumulative effects of the feeling of power and disinhibition, combined with the weakening of the reflexes.

The risks are:

  The loss of your reflexes while driving. Cannabis causes decreased alertness, poor coordination, increased reaction time, and reduced sight and hearing. Cocaine causes aggressive driving which is associated with inattentive errors and can cause loss of vehicle control;

 kill himself and / or kill someone. The drug / alcohol mixture often has a fatal outcome on the road;

  a very heavy penalty combined with non-coverage by insurance. Indeed, the consumption of narcotics while driving gives rise, among other things, to the loss of six points of the driving license or to a suspension or cancellation of the license for up to three years before being able to apply for a new one. Repairs to damage caused by the accident will not be covered by the insurance which may terminate the contract in the event of a finding of drug use. These penalties are compounded when this offense is coupled with blood alcohol concentration.

They can go up to 3 years' imprisonment and a fine of 9000 euros. Added to this is the likelihood of paying substantial damages to those injured in the accident.

 

Taking medication is not a trivial matter

Driving after taking certain medications is risky. To avoid all dangers, have good reflexes and ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before setting off.

 

No phone while driving

The use of the telephone while driving is particularly noted in the territory, and yet it multiplies by 3 the risk of accident. Using your smartphone while driving represents a high risk:

• increased reaction and braking time;

• reduction of the safety distance and field of vision;

• difficulty keeping the vehicle in the traffic lane, loss of control;

• reduced awareness of the environment;

• source of distraction.

 

Beware of sanctions!

This illegal act gives rise to a fixed fine of 135 euros and a withdrawal of 3 points from the driving license. This sanction worsens if it is combined with another offense. In order to guarantee respect and safety between all users, the Highway Code has regulated traffic on the various existing roads, in town or outside town. In the event of breaches of these rules, the driver is liable to a greater or lesser sanction depending on the violation. Putting on your helmet, systematically using the flashing light, obeying signs and passing orders in intersections, following the traffic rules of the Highway Code is essential for the safety of everyone on public roads. Together, let's be vigilant for the holidays and make the road safer!

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