As we all know, driving can be a dangerous activity. Every year, there are thousands of car accidents that result in death or severe injury. While many of these accidents are unavoidable, there are ways to reduce your chances of being involved in one. By following some simple tips, you can make yourself a safer driver and help keep the roads safe for everyone. Therefore, in this article, we will be discussing some helpful road safety advice that everyone should be aware of.
Know What to Do in an Emergency
Even if you’re a careful driver, accidents can still happen. And when they do, it’s important to know what to do.
If you’re involved in a minor accident, the first thing you should do is pull over to the side of the road and turn on your hazard lights. Then, exchange insurance information with the other driver and file a report with the police if necessary.
If the accident is more serious, call 911 and wait for help to arrive. And if you ever find yourself in a situation where your car is disabled and you can’t get to the side of the road, put on your hazard lights and raise the hood of your car to signal for help.
You should also find a car accident attorney as soon as possible. The importance of contacting attorneys specializing in car accidents cannot be overstated. It will give you the best chance to receive full and fair compensation for your injuries, damage to your vehicle, and any other losses you may have incurred. They will also help to deal with the insurance companies and guide you through the complicated legal process so that you can focus on your recovery.
Always Wear Your Seatbelt
It’s a fact that seatbelts save lives. In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), wearing a seatbelt reduces the risk of fatality by 45% in a car crash. That’s an incredible statistic, and it’s one that every driver and passenger should take to heart.
But despite the proven lifesaving benefits of wearing a seatbelt, far too many people still don’t buckle up every time they get in a car. In 2015, for example, NHTSA reported that nearly 30% of all drivers and passengers killed in traffic accidents were not wearing their seatbelts at the time of the crash. That’s why it’s so important to always wear your seatbelt – no exceptions. It is even more important to make sure everyone in your car is wearing their seatbelt, including passengers in the backseat. And if you travel with kids, be sure to use the appropriate child safety seat or booster seat.
Put Down That Phone
According to the NHTSA, distracted driving is a factor in about 10% of all fatal car crashes in the United States. And while many different types of distractions can take a driver’s attention away from the road, there’s one that’s particularly problematic: cell phones.
Whether you’re sending a text message, browsing the web, or checking your email, taking your eyes off the road for even a few seconds can be incredibly dangerous. In fact, according to one study by the University of Utah, texting while driving delays a driver’s reaction time as much as having a blood alcohol concentration of .08%. That’s the legal limit for drunk driving in most states.
So if you want to stay safe on the road, put down your phone and focus on driving. If you need to use your phone for navigation or hands-free calling, make sure to pull over in a safe location first.
Obey the Speed Limit
Did you know that in some states, if you are caught driving more than 20 mph over the speed limit, you can be charged with a felony? Since it could easily cause an accident and injure or kill someone, you could end up spending time in prison. And that’s just one of the reasons why it’s so important to obey the speed limit.
Besides being against the to drive faster than the speed limit, driving too fast makes it difficult to stop in time if there is a sudden obstacle on the road and also makes it more likely that you will lose control of your vehicle. The faster you go, the less time you have to react to a dangerous situation. And even if you think you are a good driver who can handle driving fast, you never know when someone else on the road will do something to cause an accident.
Drive Sober
This one should be obvious, yet there are still too many people who get behind the wheel after drinking alcohol or taking drugs. Not only is it illegal in most places, but it’s also incredibly dangerous. Your ability to drive is impaired when you’re under the influence and you’re more likely to make mistakes that could result in an accident. You can use airport taxi near me when you are drunk & can’t drive.
So if you’re going to be drinking, make sure to have a designated driver or take a taxi or Uber. And if you’re taking medication that could make you drowsy, it’s best to avoid driving altogether.
The same goes for driving under the influence of drugs like marijuana. While the effects of marijuana on driving are not as well-studied as alcohol, it is known to impair judgment and slow reaction time. So it’s best to play it safe and avoid driving if you’ve used marijuana in any form.
Be Careful in Work Zones
You’ve probably seen the signs: “Caution: Work Zone Ahead.” But even if you know there’s a work zone up ahead, you might not realize how dangerous they can be. I
Most work zones are set up with safety in mind, but there are still some risks. For example, if you’re driving through a work zone at night, it can be difficult to see workers or obstacles on the road. And even during the day, construction equipment and materials can block your view.
That’s why it’s so important to slow down and be extra cautious when driving through a work zone. Obey the posted speed limit and be on the lookout for workers and equipment. And if you see a work zone ahead, give yourself plenty of time to get through it so you don’t have to rush.
Be Wary of Animals
Whether you’re driving in the city or the country, there’s always a risk of hitting an animal with your car. And while it might not seem like a big deal to hit a small animal like a squirrel or rabbit, it can do a lot of damage to your car – and even injure or kill you.
So what can you do to avoid hitting an animal? First, be particularly cautious when driving at night or in areas where there are likely to be animals on the road, such as near woods or fields. And if you see an animal on the road, slow down and be prepared to stop. Hitting the brakes hard could cause you to lose control of your car, so it’s best to brake gradually if possible.
While accidents and traffic violations are always a possibility when you’re on the road, there are things you can do to minimize your risk. By following these seven tips, you can help keep yourself and others safe on the road. And if you ever find yourself in an accident, remember to stay calm and contact an attorney as soon as possible, so you can ensure your rights and best interests are protected.