Introduction.
Driving can be a lot of fun. You get to explore new places, and you have the freedom to go where you want when you want.
However, driving also comes with many risks that can cause serious injuries or even death.
Safe driving does not mean that you will never have an accident; it just means that you are taking precautions so that your chances of having an accident are lower than someone else’s.
This article will discuss how to stay safe on the road by buckling up and avoiding distractions while behind the wheel.
Buckle up!
The effective way to protect yourself in a crash is to buckle up every time. Seat belts reduce the risk of death by 45% and severe injuries by 50%. If you are pregnant, you must wear your seat belt.
Be a Safe Driver.
As you drive, be aware of your surroundings. Watch for other vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists.
Stick to the road regulations and obey traffic lights and signs. Be a defensive driver by checking your mirrors before changing lanes or turning at intersections.
If you do end up in a car crash and suffer injuries you can visit the website of a skillful car accident injury lawyer for assistance with your compensation claim.
Use turn signals at least 100 feet before turning to give other drivers time to react accordingly. If it looks like rain in the distance, slow down because wet roads can be very slippery even when it isn’t raining yet!
Be Aware of What is Happening Around You
There are many ways to avoid car accidents. Being aware of your surroundings makes you more prepared for the unexpected.
Be aware of your surrounding and what is happening at all times. Scan the road and look for potential hazards, like debris on the road or other vehicles swerving out of their lanes. Be on the lookout for cyclists and pedestrians when driving in built up areas.
Be aware of your speed: If it feels as if you’re moving too fast or too slow, adjust accordingly!
Attention to traffic lights and signs: Stop at red lights and remember that right turns are permitted after stopping at a stop sign (unless otherwise posted).
Don’t Drive After Drinking.
If you drink, it will affect your ability to drive. Alcohol will cause your reflexes to be slower and your judgment to be impaired.
It makes you less aware of other cars on the road and can lead to impaired driving. And if that weren’t enough, it can cause you to drive faster than is safe for any given situation.
If you’ve had even one drink before getting behind the wheel, don’t do it!
Know Who is Safest to Ride With.
Other sober drivers with good driving records are the safest people to ride with.
You should avoid riding with someone who has been drinking, or if you do, make sure they aren’t the ones driving.
If you are the driver:
● Don’t let passengers distract you by talking about things that don’t need talking about at that moment.
● Don’t let them argue with each other or give you unwanted advice on how to drive safely in certain situations.
● Don’t let them play music that is too loud or distracting from the road ahead of you (even though it might be a good song).
● If someone else is driving your car:
● Make sure they’re not texting or using their phone while driving so they can focus on what matters most—the road ahead.
Do Not Drive When you are Tired.
Fatigue can make your reflexes slower, so avoiding driving when tired is best.
Don’t drive when you are sleepy. Do not drive if you have not had enough sleep or feel exhausted or tired while going.
Even for short periods, lack of sleep can cause impairment that makes it difficult for drivers to react quickly and safely in an emergency situation on the road.
It’s also essential for drivers to get sufficient rest between shifts and during the day off from work to be well-rested when they return home from work at night after their long-haul drives on the road.
Avoid Speeding and Aggressive Driving.
Keep watch of the speed limit, and stay within it. It’s also essential to avoid driving aggressively by tailgating or weaving between lanes.
Aggressive driving behavior is one of the top causes of car accidents in the United States, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Should you be in an accident while driving aggressively, you could be held liable for any injuries that occur as a result.
Avoiding aggressive driving may help keep you safe on the road and prevent accidents from happening.
Only Use your Phone in an Emergency.
You should avoid using your cell phone while driving, and if you must, only do so in an emergency.
There’s no purpose in picking up the phone if there’s nothing important on the other end. Even hands-free devices can lead to distraction as your mind is still thinking about the conversation.
If you are stopped at a red light or waiting for pedestrians to cross the street, use this time to check messages instead of texting or making calls.
If someone texts you while stopped at an intersection or stop sign, wait until it is safe before responding (and don’t forget that disobeying traffic signals can land you a ticket).
Be a Defensive Driver.
A simple way you can stay safe on the road that also helps you avoid car accidents is by being a defensive driver is one of them.
Don’t tailgate: Maintaining a safe distance from the car in front of you is key to avoiding collisions.
Suppose there is enough room between your vehicle and the one in front. In that case, there should be no reason for either car to decelerate suddenly or speed up abruptly
—which can cause accidents if other drivers aren’t paying attention.
When following another driver at night, keep at least two seconds behind them (or three seconds during rush hour).
Avoid maneuvering in and out of traffic: While this strategy may seem like an effective way to get to your destination faster, it actually does more harm than good when it comes time for other drivers to turn off or merge onto another road or highway.
Especially if they don’t know what’s coming next. Plus, weaving back and forth gives others less time than usual (not enough) information needed before making their own decisions about how fast they need to go while still getting everyone where they’re going safely without causing any harm along the way.
Conclusion
Remember that there are various ways to be safe on the road, and your best bet is to be a defensive driver.
Scan the road and anticipate the moves other drivers may make so that you can avoid any dangerous situations. Stay calm and call for help if necessary if you are in an accident.
