3 Tips to Avoid Car Accidents
Many car accidents are avoidable. That’s according to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Their research revealed that human error is responsible for 94% of accidents – a whopping 94%.
Each year, millions of car accidents occur across the US. Most of these accidents leave drivers and passengers injured, maimed or traumatized. Over 40,000 of those accidents end in death. Perhaps, it’s time to brush up on some driving safety tips. Here are three of the finest to help you stay safe while driving.
Keep Your Car in Good Condition
According to research by the Harvard Health Watch, the average American spends 101 minutes per day driving. This means that if you started driving at 16, by the time you’re 70, you’d have been behind the wheel for 1,999,710 minutes. That works out to about four years of your lifetime on the road.
If you’re going to be spending time in the car for that long, you might as well be in one that is in good condition. Make sure your vehicle is roadworthy, registered, and insured. Always keep an eye on critical features like brakes, tires, windscreen, engine, battery, etc.
Send your vehicle for regular checkups. Don’t wait until it starts breaking down before you head over to a mechanic’s shop.
Avoid Distractions
Distractions during driving can lead to grave consequences: you may end up causing an auto accident. Unfortunately, there are tons of distractions that are constantly trying to divert your attention. Here are three broad types of distractions and how to avoid them:
Visual Distractions
These are distractions that make you take your eye off the road. They could be anything from brushing your hair, viewing the scenery to reading a text message. The rule of thumb is always to keep your eyes on the road. Even if you are having a conversation with a passenger, only steal glances. Avoid reading text messages or emails while driving. If possible, turn off your phone’s notifications, so you’re not tempted to look.
Manual Distractions
These distractions involve having to do some physical activity, usually with your hands. It may be fastening a seatbelt or picking up your phone, but any activity that makes you take your hands off the steering wheel is dangerous. That’s why you should ensure that everything is in place before you set off, so you don’t have to use your hands for anything but driving.
Mental Distractions
If something is weighing on your mind, it may affect your focus during driving. Make sure you’re not overly stressed and frustrated and refrain from driving when you have issues that are causing you to overthink.
Follow Road Rules
Road signs and rules are not for only people who are learning to drive. Even experienced drivers need to follow road signs and driving laws to the letter. These rules are to make the road safe for all users. So, if you flout them, you might endanger yourself and other road users. If you’re plying an unfamiliar route, slow down and look out for regulatory and warning signs. It will help you to avoid making mistakes.
Conclusion
If you follow these three simple steps, you will drastically reduce your chances of getting into a car accident. Of course, there may be circumstances that are beyond your control. You cannot always be aware of other reckless drivers. But if you follow all road rules and practice safe driving to the best of your knowledge, you are reducing risks significantly. Make sure your car is always in good condition and always be alert.
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