Wisconsin Travel Safety Tip - Tailgating causes countless crashes
According to state law, drivers "shall not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent" based on the speed of the vehicle, road conditions, and traffic. A violation of the law costs $200 along with three demerit points. In addition, car insurance premiums often will skyrocket for drivers who hit another vehicle while following too closely.
Visit the Wisconsin Department of Transportation website to view comments regarding tailgating from Wisconsin State Patrol Superintendent Dave Collins.
The Historical Corner
The History of Seat Belts (SOURCE: About.com: Inventors)
Volvo had the first safety belts in 1849. The first U.S. patent for automobile seat beats was issued to Edward J. Claghorn of New York, New York on February 10, 1885. Claghorn was granted United States Patent #312,085 for a Safety-Belt for tourists, described in the patent as "designed to be applied to the person, and provided with hooks and other attachments for securing the person to a fixed object."
Swedish inventor, Nils Bohlin invented the three-point seat belt - not the first but the modern seatbelt - now a standard safety device in most cars. Nils Bohlin's lap-and-shoulder belt was introduced by Volvo in 1959.
Bizzare Holidays
January:
- 4 - Trivia Day
- 10 - Peculiar People Day
- 17 - Ditch New Years Resolutions Day
- 23 - National Pie Day
- 28 - National Kazoo Day
February:
- 4 - Create a Vacuum Day
- 14 - Ferris Wheel Day
- 18 - National Battery Day
- 27 - No Brainer Day