Today, drivers drive safer vehicles on safer roads. Why? Decades of public information campaigns and advertisements have made us safer drivers.
Unfortunately, despite this great progress, car fatalities and accidents globally are still staggering. What’s more, car accidents have become the leading cause of death for many people.
So, what’s the way forward? Experts at D Wells Auto have suggested the following tips to help drivers when driving and while on the road:
1. Keep up with Maintenance
Keeping up with car maintenance is the best way to minimize the risks of accidents and breakdowns. Inspecting the water/oil level and your car’s tire tread and pressure are easy and quick ways to ensure your vehicle is in tip-top shape.
2. Be Vigilant on Weather Conditions
Be extra careful when driving on icy roads through a snowstorm, heavy rain, and fog. If necessary, drive your car below the speed limit and be keen around curves.
3. Take Regular Breaks
When taking a long road trip, plan regular breaks every two to three hours. You wouldn’t want to get tired when driving. Fatigue clouds our judgment and decreases our reaction time.
4. Avoid Distractions
Today, fatal accidents happen on the road because of distractions from electronic devices, like loud music and mobile phones. According to the NHTSA reports, the delay in our reaction as car drivers cause rear-end collisions, making avoiding such distractions when driving important.
5. Use Turn Signals
We see this all the time from many seasoned drivers – they don’t always use turn signals. Apart from causing rear-end collisions, this is a form of breaking the law. So, always use turn signals whenever you turn, merge, or change lanes.
6. Clean Windows
Dirty windows make driving hazardous, especially at night. Condensation inside and dirt outside our vehicle windows may cause a film that increases car glare. Before you drive off, clean the windows to improve visibility.
7. Buckle up
Wearing our seatbelts is not just a legal requirement. It is also an important safety measure. By wearing our seatbelts, we minimize the risks of sustaining serious injuries when an accident occurs. Ensuring that passengers buckle up also promotes the overall safety of our cars.
8. Maintain a Very Safe Following Distance
Always stick to this – 3-second rule. It helps to maintain a very safe following distance from a car in front of us. Increase the distance in unfavorable and adverse weather conditions.
9. Follow Zero-Tolerance Policy for Alcohol and Drug Consumption
Alcohol and drug use when driving is a very serious safety problem that results in road accidents and other consequences. Get support and resources to help you as a driver overcome issues of substance abuse that you could be facing.
10. Watch out Keenly for Road Markings
Road signs and markings are important to driver’s safety. Typically, road improvements help to hint previous collision history. In such places, know what may have caused the hazard to slow down and keep distance.
In conclusion, owning a vehicle is more than just a luxury. The ownership comes with a great responsibility of handling and maintaining your car.
Today’s vehicles come equipped with more safety features and fast-processing computers, but humans are still behind the wheel. So, as a driver, prioritize your safety and that of other people while driving.
