3 Tips to Avoid Distracted Driving

by EMC Insurance

We’ve all done it—answered a quick text, adjusted the GPS, or reached for a coffee while driving. But even small distractions can have big consequences. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving caused 3,275 deaths in 2023, accounting for nearly 8% of all traffic fatalities in the U.S.

But most of these crashes are preventable with the right awareness, training, and technology.

CLICK HERE to visit the EMC website to read the whole story.

Margret Meade, Safety Outreach Coordinator for IAMU, has been a cornerstone of IAMU’s safety training and awareness initiatives. She is not only a key resource for IAMU’s safety staff but also constantly supports its membership and many other private companies-responding to OSHA-related questions, inspections, and consultations with expertise and care. Her passion for advancing health and safety standards is evident throughout a career that bridges both private industry and public service. It is an honor to announce she has received the Gary Hawk Safety Award at the 54th annual Iowa Governor’s Safety & Health Conference on October 28th. The award, renamed in 1996 in honor of the late Gary Hawk, an esteemed member of the Occupational Safety & Health Advisory Council, recognizes an individual's outstanding commitment and contributions to safety and health.

Margret 's career exemplifies the qualities honored by the Gary Hawk Safety Award, with significant 
contributions across various sectors:

 Leadership in Professional Organizations:

• Served in multiple roles within the Hawkeye Chapter of the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP), including Vice President, Government Affairs Chair, and Student Affairs Liaison.
• Mentored aspiring safety professionals and advanced the profession statewide.

• Innovations and Service with Iowa OSHA:

• Authored Iowa OSHA’s Construction Partnership Program, which is still in use today.
• Served as Iowa’s Educator for Youth Safety, trained by NIOSH personnel.
• Represented OSHA in the Department of Justice’s Iowa Environmental Crimes Taskforce.
• Served as Liaison to the Mexican Consulate, improving outreach to vulnerable worker populations.

• National Impact with Federal OSHA:

• Developed several training presentations still featured on OSHA’s website.
• Created the original concept for OSHA’s popular Quick Cards and appeared in numerous official hazard photographs.

• Advocacy and Commitment:

• Serves on the Iowa Women in Safety project, advocating for safety tools and knowledge for every worker, regardless of their background or industry.

Her career of tireless advocacy, mentorship, and innovation aligns directly with the enduring legacy of Gary Hawk, making her an "exceptionally deserving candidate" for the award.