IUP Institute for Rural Health and Safety

Large trucks have massive blind spots—known as "No-Zones"—where your car completely disappears from view. If you can’t see the driver in their side mirrors, they can’t see you.
Stay safe with these quick tips:
🚛Don't linger: Pass quickly and safely on the left side.
🚛Give space: Avoid tailgating and cutting directly in front of a truck.
🚛Stay visible: Keep a safe following distance so the driver can see you.
Share the road responsibly so everyone gets home safely!

📣Attention friends in Jefferson County!
Time to clear out the clutter and keep kids safe! 🚗✨Join us for our Car Seat Collection event to safely discard your old, expired, or damaged car seats. Did you know car seats expire and plastic degrades over time? Don't let an unsafe seat put a child at risk. Bring them to us, and we will handle the rest!
📅 Date: Tuesday, June 16
⏰ Time: 10am- 12noon
📍 Location: Reynoldsville First Methodist Church
Let’s protect our little ones together. See you there!

Huge thanks to the Indiana Free Library for having us at your amazing Summer Kick-Off! ☀️📚We had a blast talking about seatbelt safety with everyone today. The kids loved making "Buckle Up Buddy" hearts—a sweet reminder to tell the people we love to always stay safe and buckle up on every ride. ❤️🚗Thank you to everyone who stopped by. Have a safe and wonderful summer

Are you ready? Rev up those engines because tomorrow, Tuesday June 9 is Ride to Work Day!
Ride to Work Day, on the second Tuesday in June, celebrates the joys of motorcycle riding. Commuting on two wheels is fast and fun, but staying safe is the top priority.

Whether you are a rider or a driver, let's look out for each other on the road:
🏍Gear- Wear a helmet and protective clothing.
🏍Visibility - Keep your headlights on and wear bright colors.
🏍Space - Leave extra stopping distance between vehicles.
🏍Focus -Ride defensively and stay out of blind spots.
🏍Drivers - Check your mirrors twice and look out for motorcycles!

Happy Final Friday!🎉
Kick off your weekend right, but remember: Drinking and Driving Never Mix. Celebrate responsibly and plan ahead for a safe ride home.
🚗Designate a Driver: Choose a trusted friend to stay sober before the night begins.
📱Use Ride-Sharing: Pre-book a safe trip using apps like Uber or Lyft.
🚕Call a Cab: Keep a local taxi number saved in your phone.
🚐Try Public Transit: Check your local bus or train schedules for late-night routes.
Have a relaxing and safe weekend!

Huge THANK YOU to the Indiana Free Library for inviting me to participate in their summer programming!📚🌞
Yesterday's topic was Children and Vehicle Safety with information on car seats, heat stroke, and driveway/back up safety.
The library has an amazing line up of summer activities planned for all ages.👪 Check out their calendar and join the fun!

📱 The grace period is over—full enforcement of Paul Miller’s Law begins this Friday, June 5, 2026, across Pennsylvania.While the distracted driving law originally took effect last year, police will officially stop issuing warnings and begin hand-outs of a $50 fine (plus court costs and fees) to anyone caught holding a mobile device behind the wheel.
Here is what Pennsylvania drivers need to know to stay safe and avoid a ticket:
🚫 No Handheld Devices: It is completely illegal to hold, support, or use a cellphone or interactive mobile device while driving.
🛑 Traffic Stops Count: The ban applies even if you are temporarily stopped at a red light, stop sign, or stuck in a traffic jam.
🚔 Primary Offense: Police do not need another reason to pull you over—they can stop you solely for having a phone in your hand.
🔊 Hands-Free Allowed: You can still use Bluetooth, voice-activation, or a securely mounted device for GPS and calls.
🆘 Emergency Exception: Drivers are permitted to use a handheld device to contact 911 or emergency services.Named in honor of Paul Miller Jr., who tragically lost his life to a distracted driver, this milestone is a vital reminder to prioritize safety and end distracted driving. Put the phone down and protect your community. 🛑🚗

Did you know summer is the deadliest time of year for teen drivers? The period between Memorial Day and Labor Day is known as the "100 Deadliest Days," when fatal crashes involving teenagers spike dramatically. With school out, more teens take to the roads, often driving with friends, late at night, or while distracted.Parents and young drivers can stay safe by focusing on a few critical habits:
👥Limit passengers: Extra friends increase crash risks.
📵Ban phones: Put devices away before starting.
🚗Buckle up: Every passenger needs a seatbelt.
🕑Set curfews: Avoid late-night driving whenever possible.
🚫Drive sober: Never drive under the influence.
Let's work together to keep our roads safe and protect young lives this summer.

Sunny skies are finally here, but warmer weather means busier streets! ☀️🚶‍♀️
Whether you are walking, running, or driving, let’s share the road. Safety is a two- way street!Drivers, stay alert at crosswalks and put down the distractions. Pedestrians, keep your eyes up and stick to designated paths.Beautiful days are best enjoyed when everyone makes it home safely. Sunny Skies...Safe Strides! 🕶️✨