Staying safe when driving is easy; however, when one thing goes wrong, the chances of getting into an accident goes higher. The Association for Safe International Road Travel stated that 1.3 million people die due to road accidents every year, and over 37,000 of these deaths are from the US. This is a wake-up call for everyone to be cautious and alert when on the road.
Avoiding accidents on the road can be a lot harder than it sounds. But with constant training, you can exhibit the habit of doing things to avoid road accidents. It is also important to be prepared for what happens after a road accident, like getting a Seattle car accident lawyer and taking legal actions.
Here are 5 ways you can do to avoid accidents on the road.
Maintain your vehicle
Constant stalling on the road, malfunctioning lights, or deflated tires can cause accidents on the road. Remember that a well-maintained vehicle is a safe vehicle. Check the following parts of your vehicle for a safety-oriented maintenance check:
- Battery, spark plugs, wires, and ignition coils to avoid sudden stalls on the road
- Bounce on the shock absorbers and suspensions using your full body weight – if it bounces more than once, they need to be replaced to avoid losing control when hitting potholes and road bumps
- Always keep your tires properly inflated
- Make sure that the lights are working properly
- Ensure that the wiper blades are working properly
Wear seat belts
Whether you’re a passenger or a driver, it is the most basic thing to do before traveling on the road. According to Angela Osterhuber, director of Pennsylvania Traffic Injury Prevention Project, seat belts protect you from grievous injuries in five ways:
- Keep the occupants inside the vehicle
- Restrain the hips and shoulders, the strongest parts of the body
- Spread out the force from collision
- Slow down the body
- Protect the brain and spinal cord
It is important to get the right and comfortable fit when wearing a seat belt. For instance, shoulder belts must be worn securely across the chest and shoulders between the breasts. Make sure that the strap is not placed under the arms and does not go across the neck and face.
Always stay alert on the road
When you’re driving, always keep your eyes on the road. Never multitask when driving, such as texting or calling while on the wheel. When you have to do small things while driving, make sure to keep one hand on the steering wheel. Most importantly, never operate any vehicle under the influence of alcohol and drugs. Drinking and driving are extremely dangerous and is punishable by law.
Watch for other drivers and pedestrians
Be mindful that you are not the only one on the road. Ensure that you are positioned at the right distance with other drivers to avoid a collision. When crossing an intersection on a green light, make sure that you look both ways and check any vehicles speeding on a yellow light. Lastly, drive slowly when passing roads that may have children or animals such as residential areas or roads that are near an area teeming with wildlife.
Follow the rules of the road
The rules of the road are created in order to keep drivers safe. Don’t just follow the rules to avoid tickets but to avoid serious accidents. Drive within the posted speed limit in order to have better control of your vehicle should another vehicle make a sudden stop or turn. When approaching a red light or a stop sign, begin slowing down your vehicle before reaching to a complete stop at the right spot. Obeying the rules of the road keeps you, other drivers, and pedestrians safe.
Whether you’re a new driver or an experienced one, keeping a habit of being safe on the road is important. It does not only keep you from danger, but it also keeps the other people safe. Moreover, when you’re driving safely you are avoiding the risk of having legal and financial troubles.
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