Whether you drive professionally or avoid public transport during your commute, it’s crucial to make an effort to stay safe on the road. After all, there are over 2 million car accidents a year in the US, and taking the right safety precautions can help to protect yourself, your passengers, and other motorists.
With that in mind, here are some top tips to stay safe on the road!
Stay alert behind the wheel
Many accidents occur because of distracted driving. You’ll notice potential hazards quicker than if you weren’t fully alert and focused. One of the easiest ways to protect yourself and others is to remain alert when behind the wheel. For example, you should get enough sleep and take regular breaks during long journeys. You may also want to mute your phone so you aren’t distracted by phone calls or other notifications.
Know what to do when things go wrong
Another way to protect yourself behind the wheel is by preparing for instances when things could go wrong. For example, if you get in a collision, you should:
- Get yourself to a safe place (away from oncoming traffic)
- Call the relevant authorities
- Check yourself and others for signs of injuries
- Take photographs of the incident
- Swap insurance and contact details with other parties involved
If you are in an accident, regardless of whether or not you are at fault, you should also contact a car accident lawyer. They can help you put your best foot forward during legal proceedings. It helps ensure your interests are protected – especially if you are seeking out a settlement.
Take care of your car is Key to Staying Safe On The Road
Taking good care of your car can also help avoid accidents and breakdowns. Conduct a quick inspection of your vehicle at least once a month, watching for potential maintenance issues. For example, you should always check your tire pressure before heading out.
If you’ve noticed any warning signs that your car needs some TLC, drop it off at a local garage for repairs. While you may be worried about the costs associated with this, it’s illegal to travel in a car that is not roadworthy. It also means that you should look into buying a new car, if necessary.
Give yourself plenty of time to get from A to B
According to the CDC, speeding accounts for more than 30 car accidents per day. While you may be rushing to get to your destination, you should obey all traffic laws. Not only is this important from a safety perspective, but you could also land yourself in significant legal and financial trouble.
To combat this issue, you should give yourself time to get from A to B instead of leaving at the last minute. Leaving at the last minute could encourage you to speed – especially if you’re running late.
Familiarize yourself with the route ahead of time
If you’re driving in an unfamiliar area, or heading out on a road trip, taking some time to familiarize yourself with the route you’re taking ahead of time can also help you to stay safe on the road. It will offer a better understanding of what to expect and what kind of roads or traffic you may encounter. Beyond this, it also means you’ll feel more confident about arriving at your destination safely and on time.
Avoid driving in bad weather to help with Staying Safe On The Road
Adverse weather conditions, including snow, sleet, and rain, can also impact your roadside experience. For example, heavy rain can make the roads slippery and reduce your visibility behind the wheel. It makes you much more likely to be involved in an accident when driving during a storm or heavy rainfall.
Pay close attention to the weather and weather reports before getting behind the wheel. While you may be desperate to reach your destination, it’s not worth risking your safety.
Be aware of potential hazards
You learn about the many kinds of roadside hazards when studying for your driving test. However, you can get overconfident as you grow more experienced as a driver. It often means that you may be less observant or aware of the potential hazards around you. When focusing on staying safe on the road, you should ensure that you’re always keeping an eye out for hazards.
Potential hazards that you may encounter when you drive include:
- Other motorists
- Pedestrians
- Cyclists/Motorcyclists
- Adverse weather conditions
- Road obstructions
- Roadworks
- Crossing patrols
- Narrow/winding roads
- Sharp bends
- Animals
- Slow-moving vehicles
- Traffic
Final thoughts for Staying Safe On The Road
While accidents can occur through no fault of your own, making a real effort to stay safe on the road reduces the chances of being involved in a roadside incident. These tips can help keep yourself and others safe and avoid doing lasting or expensive damage to your vehicle.
Stay focused and alert behind the wheel and adhere to all safety regulations. These regulations include wearing a seatbelt, obeying speed regulations, and stopping at red lights. While this may seem obvious, you’d be surprised how many drivers do not follow these guidelines.
Simply put, the more focused you are on staying safe, the safer the roads will become. It should give you greater peace of mind whenever you get behind the wheel.
