Milliseconds Make Life or Death Difference in Cars

PETERSBURG – Woodbine Barracks State Troopers, led by Lt. Douglas Pearson, sponsored a traffic safety event June 26 that produced among participants some surprises as well as head-shaking at the terrible toll traffic accidents can take on human life.
“How long does it take for an accident to occur?” asked speaker Wayne Shelton. Answers ranged from five seconds to one second when, in reality, the correct answer is 100 to 150 milliseconds. To put that time elapse measure into perspective it takes 300 milliseconds to blink an eye.
“Do you know that air bags only deploy when there is a violent impact and actually this happens only on rare occasions?” continued Shelton. “It takes 10 milliseconds for the chemicals that must combine to mix and for the airbag to inflate so we are talking about life or death circumstances in literally the blink of an eye.”
Shelton, a former state trooper, is an experienced presenter regarding safe driving techniques, the hazards of driving that change a life in an instant and the preventability of tragedy. He talks to groups ranging in age from small children and teens at area high schools to senior citizens’ groups about the necessity to stay educated about traffic safety whether in a car, on a bike or as a pedestrian.
Traffic crashes are the leading cause of fatalities for teens (defined as an individual from 15 to 20 years of age) according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, far surpassing other specific causes of death among that age group.
“Everyone has an acquaintance, if not friend, relative or close family member, who has died in a fatal traffic accident,” said Shelton. “Another tragedy in these circumstances is that traffic fatalities are the most preventable deaths in the U.S.”
As point of reference, Shelton pointed out that from the period of March 2003 to January 2015, 5,376 military service members died in combat. In New Jersey, during that same period, 8,010 people lost their lives in traffic accidents. “Isn’t it sad,” asked Shelton rhetorically, “that so fewer people died in combat where the enemy is trying to kill our soldiers than on the roads of New Jersey? We should all drive like soldiers on patrol, no talking, and no distractions, totally focused on the task.”
The program featured a number of video short clips designed to highlight various specific behaviors that result in unsafe driving. For example, one video done in Australia graphically portrayed that by decreasing one’s driving speed by only a few miles an hour, a pedestrian struck in a crosswalk could either walk away with only a bruise or suffer life-ending injuries.
The message came through loud and clear. That speed, as Shelton termed it, is a “game changer,” and is highly dangerous since the mind cannot react fast enough to adjust to hazards and unexpected conditions while driving.
Another video entitled “Heaven Can Wait” also made the case that speed is not a controllable factor when driving. Force multiplied by time equals the strength of impact and by reducing the factor of time the deleterious effects of the impact can be minimized.
Other topics included in the presentation were alcohol and drug impairment, teen driver programs, responsible driving techniques, risks while driving, crash dynamics, occupant protection and current trends and laws. While some of the subject matter touched on tragedy the presenters and atmosphere hit the right chord with the audience.
The Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office provided literature and information on criminal laws related to traffic violations and accidents.
While much of the subject matter touched on tragedy, the program and atmosphere hit the right chord with the audience which came from a full range of ages from pre-teen to seniors and diverse driving experiences.
The N.J. State Police Woodbine Station went the extra mile to make the event especially enjoyable by offering the audience complimentary pizza and gift certificates from local businesses. The station also displayed many different pieces of relevant literature and an “I Promise Contract” that commits new drivers to driving responsibly, courteously and vigilantly in exchange for their parents’ permission to get behind the wheel.
To contact Camille Sailer, email csailer@cmcherald.com.