Every day, we take to the roads without a second thought. Whether we’re commuting to work or running errands, we often don’t give much thought to our safety on the road. But the truth is, accidents can happen anytime, anywhere. That’s why it’s important to be prepared and know how to keep yourself and your family safe when you’re behind the wheel. Here are five tips to help you stay safe on the road.
1. Go for Defensive Driving Courses
It’s always a good idea to brush up on your driving skills, no matter how long you’ve been behind the wheel. Taking a defensive driving course can help you learn how to better anticipate and react to potential hazards on the road. And, in some states, completing a defensive driving course may even qualify you for a discount on your car insurance.
If you’re a new driver or helping your teen learn to drive, look for a defensive driving course specifically designed for beginners. These courses can give you the foundation you need to stay safe behind the wheel.
2. Get Your Car Serviced Regularly
One of the best ways to avoid an accident is to make sure your car is in good working condition. That means getting regular oil changes, tune-ups, and tire rotations. It’s also a good idea to have car brake service performed on a regular basis. By keeping up with routine maintenance by a professional automotive technician, you can help reduce the risk of a breakdown or mechanical issue while you’re on the road.
Remember, while you need to take your cars to a professional for certain types of maintenance, there are some things you can do yourself. For example, you can check your tire pressure at home with a simple gauge. A good one costs between $5 and $15 and can be found at most auto parts stores.
3. Avoid Distracted Driving
According to the National Safety Council (NSC), at least one driver was using a phone in over 40% of all automobile incidents resulting in injury or death. That’s why it’s so important to avoid distracted driving.
Put your phone away before you get behind the wheel, and if you need to use it for navigation, consider investing in a hands-free device. If you must take a call or reply to a text, pull over in a safe location first. And never try to multi-task behind the wheel. It’s just not worth the risk.
In addition to phone use, other common distractions can take your attention away from the road. Eating, drinking, adjusting the radio, and even talking to passengers can all lead to distracted driving. So, do your best to limit any non-essential activities while you’re behind the wheel.
4. Drive the Speed Limit (or Slower)
Speeding is one of the leading causes of accidents, but it’s something that many of us are guilty of from time to time. The next time you’re behind the wheel, make a conscious effort to stick to the speed limit or even drive a bit slower. Not only will this help you avoid a speeding ticket, but it can also help you arrive at your destination safely. In case you receive traffic tickets that you want to dispute, you may seek assistance from a traffic attorney. In worse cases, speeding leads to accidents; and victims of such accidents have the right to seek compensation with the help of a Wisconsin car accident lawyer.
In addition to obeying the posted speed limit, it’s also important to drive slower when road conditions are less than ideal. Whether it’s raining, snowing, or there’s simply heavy traffic, driving slower can give you the extra time you need to react to a potential hazard.
5. Buckle Up
This one may seem like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how many people still don’t buckle their seatbelts. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly half of all passenger vehicle occupants who were killed in accidents in 2018 were not wearing seatbelts. So, no matter how short the drive, make sure you and your passengers are buckled up before hitting the road.
Remember, accidents are also expensive. The average cost of an automobile accident in New York, according to the state’s Department of Transportation, varies depending on where it occurs. Accidents cost around $15,000 on the low end, $63,000 on the higher end and about $30,000 – $40,000 on average. So, not only is it important to drive safely to protect yourself and your passengers, but it’s also important to protect your wallet.
