No one wants to be in a car crash, but the unfortunate reality is that they happen all too often. Every year, the US experiences more than 6 million car crashes. Even worse, these accidents leave more than 2 million people injured in car crashes each year. According to more research, you’re likely to have a car crash every 17 years. If you want to reduce your chances of being one of those statistics, then read on.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss seven simple steps that you can take to help keep yourself safe on the road.
1. Drive Within the Speed Limit
This one might seem like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how many people break the law by speeding. Not only is it illegal to speed, but it’s also incredibly dangerous. When you’re driving fast, you have less time to react to things happening on the road.
This means that if someone cuts you off or if there’s an obstacle in the road, you could crash. So, to be safe, always drive the speed limit. It might take you a little longer to get where you’re going, but it’s worth it if it means that you’ll arrive safely.
2. Cut All Distractions While Driving
No texting, no phone calls, no nothing. You see, one in every four accidents in the US is caused by a texting driver. It’s been compared to drunk driving in terms of its effects, although texting drivers are six times more likely to cause an accident.
So just don’t do it. If you need to text or make a call, pull over to the side of the road first. If you can’t seem to go without your phone, even for car rides, put it in the trunk or glove compartment before you start driving.
If you really need to use your phone while on the road, invest in a car mount so you can keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road.
Next time you’re behind the wheel, make a conscious effort to limit distractions and focus on the task at hand: driving! Your life – and the lives of others – may depend on it.
3. Drive According to the Weather Conditions
Bad weather conditions can make it more difficult to see and be seen and reduce your tire traction. Snow, sleet, and ice require you to take extra precautions and drive slower than usual.
Be sure to give yourself extra following distance – at least three car lengths for every ten miles per hour that you’re driving.
Also, avoid any sudden braking or turns, and don’t try to change lanes too frequently. If you can, avoid driving during a storm altogether, and this is one of the most vital safe driving tips on the list.
If you must drive, be sure your car is prepared for the conditions by having good tires with plenty of tread depth and ensuring your windshield wipers are in good working order.
You should also clear all snow and ice off your car before driving. Not only will this help you see better, but it will also prevent flying ice from hitting other cars – or pedestrians.
4. Always Wear Your Seatbelt
Seatbelts are the best defense against being ejected from a car during a crash. They can also help keep you from being thrown around inside the car, which can help prevent or reduce injuries.
In addition to wearing a seatbelt, make sure your car has airbags.
Airbags can help to protect you and your passengers in the event of a collision, but they’re not a replacement for seat belts. If you have young children in the car, be sure they’re properly secured in an appropriate child safety seat.
Car seats can reduce the risk of death by 71% for infants and 54% for toddlers.
5. Never Drink and Drive
Drunk driving kills about 28 people every day in the US. This is a harrowing statistic and one that is 100% avoidable. If you are planning on drinking, plan ahead and have a designated driver, or take an uber/taxi.
It’s not worth the risk to yourself or others on the road and is by far one of the easiest ways to get into a car crash. Drinking and driving is selfish, and car crashes are preventable if people would practice safe driving.
6. Avoid Driving When Prone to Fall Asleep
Drowsy driving is just as dangerous as drunk driving and can be just as deadly. If you find yourself yawning behind the wheel or having trouble keeping your eyes open, it’s time to pull over.
Find a safe place to park and take a quick nap or grab a cup of coffee. Furthermore, avoid driving late at night or early in the morning when you’re likely to be the sleepiest.
This is one of the best safe driving tips on this list because a lot of people overlook fatigue.
7. Avoid Running Red Lights and Stop Signs
Red-light runners are a major cause of car crashes. They often cause T-bone accidents because they slam into the side of another car that has the right of way.
These types of accidents can be deadly, so it’s important to avoid running red lights and stop signs. The thing is, many people do it because they’re in a hurry and they don’t want to wait.
However, is it really worth risking your life and the lives of others? Stop signs are there for a reason. When you run a stop sign, you put yourself and others at risk, so always practice defensive driving.
How to Prevent a Car Crash: A Comprehensive Guide
There are a number of things you can do to reduce your chance of being in a car crash. You can avoid texting while driving, driving in bad weather, tailgating, and running red lights.
You can also help to keep yourself and others safe by always wearing your seatbelt, avoiding drinking and driving, and not driving when you’re tired. Car crashes are preventable if people would take the time to be more careful and adhere to these safe driving tips.
We hope you loved our blog post. Please head over to our blog for more awesome tips.
