Driving is a necessity for most people but is also one of the most dangerous activities that we do in our daily lives. Car accidents are responsible for 40,000 deaths each year in the US alone, and there’s up to $277 billion dollars worth of damages caused by drivers yearly. Now, no one ever said that driving was a safe activity, but it’s something that we all have to do to get around. Unfortunately, there are many dangers on the road that can lead to accidents or road rage. However, by following these six simple tips, you can help to reduce the chances of becoming a victim.
Be aware of your surroundings
This is one of the most important things that you can do to stay safe while driving. If you’re not paying attention, then you won’t notice when other drivers try to cut into your lane or pull out in front of you. There are dozens of things on the road at any given time that you need to stay aware of.
Newbie drivers will fall victim to a road rager because it takes time to be able to react safely and swiftly, sometimes it can cause stress, and sometimes it can end in a car crash and injury. In case you do have an accident and don’t have any experience with the procedures make sure to call a legal representative like Foyle Legal, who has the necessary knowledge and experience to help you. Depending on the circumstances on the road you may be looking at a truck accident case, car, or personal injury (sometimes a combination), and with a free consultation and a no win- no fee policy you are safe from any extra costs when hiring a lawyer. Having a legal representative can make the process significantly easier for you and ensure that you get the most out of your case.
Avoid distractions
You probably heard that texting while driving is not safe, and there have been so many campaigns about the topic. The simple science behind it is that our cognitive functions are divided whenever we are multitasking, meaning we are not completely focused on the road. Some people opt to call instead of text or use voice commands as a ‘safer’ alternative. However, studies imply that talking to someone via text, phone or even a passenger in the car decreases our attention on the events that are on the road. People with more experience are used to driving and talking, however whenever you are tired, frustrated, or have too much on your mind avoid engaging in conversation while driving just as a precaution measure.
Don’t eat and drive
Busy people simply don’t have time for a meal at home before work and have to make a pit stop somewhere to get the much-needed energy. They simply swoop through a drive-in and have a bite on the go. However, according to the NHTSA, eating while driving increases the chances of a car crash the same amount as texting does. Any form of distracted driving increases the risk of causing a car accident. Plan out your schedule for the time you need to sit down and eat and drink properly while your car is parked.
Avoid driving at peak times
As an insecure driver, the most dangerous time to be on the roads is during peak hours. The streets are busy and filled with traffic, meaning there are a lot of people on the road who could get in an accident or cause trouble. Peak hours tend to be from 8-9 am and 5-7 pm when everyone is returning from work or leaving for it. By avoiding these times you can help to significantly reduce your chance of getting into any accidents. In case you have to commute to their jobs at this time, take some extra time until you feel comfortable enough to drive faster or discover a route that is not jam-packed.
Comply with speed limits
You should always make sure to stay within the speed limit because speeding is another leading cause of accidents and road rage. If you see someone driving fast or slow, try to adjust your speed so that everyone is following the rules. Driving at high speeds increases the chances that you will lose control of your car or miss seeing another vehicle. This will inevitably lead to an accident because no matter how good of a driver you are. Drive safely and obey speed limits to ensure that everyone gets home safe each night.
Carry out regular maintenance checks
Keeping up with simple vehicle maintenance can also go a long way towards safety. Driving around without changing your oil regularly will eventually damage your car’s engine, which in turn compromises not only its lifespan but how it runs overall. A faulty car engine can lead to your car breaking down completely, which can be very dangerous and time-consuming. A car that stops working in the middle of a highway is a chain crash waiting to happen. Be responsible and think ahead of time. Also, using any advanced safety systems in your car can reduce the risk of an accident so make sure to learn more about them.
Whether you’re driving your car on busy streets or just listening to music on your commute to work, there are certain things that you can do to reduce the chances of being involved in an accident. One thing we recommend avoiding at all costs is distractions while driving – no matter how trivial they may seem, not paying attention could lead to fatal consequences.
