No one ever expects a car crash. It happens in the blink of an eye, and before you know it, your life has changed forever. Car crashes are one of the leading causes of death and injury in the United States. Every year, more than 6 million car crashes occur on US roads, killing more than 37,000 people and injuring more than 2 million others. While car crashes can happen to anyone at any time, there are certain things that you can do to decrease your chances of being involved in one. As a responsible driver, there are six things you should avoid doing on the road:
Being Distracted
Being a driver is an important job and it requires all of your attention. That’s why you should avoid distractions while driving, such as texting or eating. The most important thing for any driver is safety on the road, not just their own, but the safety of other drivers too. This includes those less visible on the road such as pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists. When a person finds themselves in a motorcycle accident or pedestrian accident, there is a much higher chance of fatalities occurring. You can avoid being distracted by doing the following:
- Putting your phone away and turning it off
- Stowing any food or drinks in the glove compartment or center console
- Keeping your focus on the road and not your passengers
- Adjusting your mirrors and seat before you start driving
Being Tired
It’s important to get a good night’s sleep before you drive. Fatigue is one of the leading causes of car accidents. When you’re tired, your reaction time is slower, and you’re more likely to make mistakes while driving. You’re also more likely to fall asleep at the wheel, which can be deadly. That’s why is it important to get a good night’s sleep before you drive, take a break every two hours on long trips, and avoid driving at night. If you ever feel like your eyes are about to close or you can’t keep your head up, pull over and take a nap.
Not Following Traffic Laws
Traffic laws are in place to help keep everyone on the road safe. That’s why it’s important for drivers to follow them. Unfortunately, many drivers choose to ignore traffic laws, which can lead to accidents. Things like speeding, running red lights, and not yielding to pedestrians can all lead to accidents. Although you may get where you’re going faster by breaking the law, it’s not worth putting yourself and others in danger. Try to always obey the speed limit, come to a complete stop at red lights, and be cautious when driving near pedestrians. These small steps can help keep you and those around you safe.
Drinking and Driving
It’s never a good idea to drink and drive. Alcohol impairs your judgment, slows your reaction time, and makes it difficult to make good decisions. That’s why it’s so important not to drink and drive. Every year, alcohol contributes to more than 30,000 deaths in the United States. If you’re planning on drinking, be sure to have a designated driver or take a taxi. You can also use an app like Uber or Lyft to get home safely. Not only will you be keeping yourself and others safe, but you’ll also be avoiding a DUI.
Not Wearing a Seat Belt
Seat belts are the best way to protect yourself in a car crash. That’s why it’s important to always wear them. In the event of a car crash, those who are wearing seat belts have a much higher chance of surviving than those who are not. Unfortunately, many people choose not to wear their seat belts. In the United States, seat belt usage is estimated to be around 88%. That means that 12% of people choose not to wear them, which can lead to serious injury or death in the event of a car crash. Always buckle up when you get in the car and make sure your passengers do too.
Tailgating
Lastly, one of the most dangerous things you can do while driving is to tailgate. When you’re tailgating, you’re too close to the car in front of you and you’re not giving yourself enough time to stop if they break suddenly. This can lead to accidents, especially during rush hour when traffic is backed up. If you find yourself getting frustrated while driving, take a deep breath and remember to keep a safe distance between you and the car in front of you.
We hope that you found this article helpful and that it has given you a better understanding of the importance of being a responsible driver. It’s important to remember that when you get behind the wheel, you are not only putting your own life at risk, but also the lives of others. We encourage you to avoid any behaviors that could lead to car accidents!
