Road accidents claim over 40,000 lives every year in the United States. The number of accidents tends to increase yearly despite the safety rules and measures set by the U.S. Department of Transportation. For instance, in Torrance, California, the number of serious accidents increased by more than 20% from 2020 to 2022. Most of these accidents happen because of overspeeding, driver distractions like phone use, and poor weather.
While some causes, like poor weather and bad roads, may be hard to avoid, you can control your vehicle to decrease your chances of being involved in an accident. Read on for insights on the top seven safe driving tips you can practice to avoid road accidents.
Avoid Distractions
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of road accidents, responsible for nearly nine daily fatalities in the United States. It happens when the driver concentrates on other activities while driving, reducing their concentration on the road. The common driving distractions that many drivers experience include:
- Using a phone
- Eating and drinking
- Paying attention to roadside distractions like reading billboards
- Talking to passengers and people outside
- Dealing with children and pets in the car
- Personal grooming, like applying makeup
While it may seem easy to multi-task and do other activities while driving, distractions may sometimes reduce your concentration. As such, you should completely avoid them and focus on driving alone. If you need to eat, answer a phone, or use navigation maps, park the vehicle first to avoid the risk of causing an accident.
Avoid Driving in Poor Weather
It’s always uncomfortable to drive in poor weather. It reduces visibility, making it hard to notice an overspeeding car or an obstacle on the road.
Besides the driving discomfort, poor weather can also increase the chances of road accidents because of reduced road traction. Rain, snow, and even ice make the roads slippery, reducing the grip of the vehicle tires. If you are not keen, your vehicle may easily slide, lose control, and cause an accident.
As a driver, you should avoid driving when the weather is unfavorable. But if you have to travel, observe the tips below to have a safe driving experience and reduce the possibility of an accident.
- Inspect the tires, fluid level, brakes, and wipers before you leave
- Check the weather forecast before leaving for the trip to know what to expect
- Prepare for the weather by wearing the right warm clothes to protect your health as you drive
Avoid Driving Under the Influence
Driving under the influence of drugs increases aggressiveness and recklessness when driving, increasing the risk of accidents. This is because some of the drugs, like opioids, cause dizziness and drowsiness when driving, making it hard to concentrate effectively on the road.
Some of the common drugs include marijuana and opioids like prescription painkillers. The drugs react differently to the body but generally result in poor or slow brain coordination and reduce the driver’s attention on the road. As a driver, it’s advisable to avoid using any drugs when driving, even if it’s a short trip.
If you have drunk alcohol, then take a cab or call someone to drive you. Doing so will reduce the chances of getting involved in an accident and avoid legal troubles.
Observe the Road Driving Rules
You should follow the driving and traffic rules, even if you are driving leisurely. Remember, there are other road users, and a slight mistake in observing the driving rules can cause an accident and put the lives of others at risk.
Usually, the traffic rules and regulations vary from one state to another, but most are the same. Here are the common rules to observe when driving to reduce the risk of causing or getting involved in an accident:
- Observe traffic lights. Go through when it’s green, slow down when it’s yellow, and stop if it’s red.
- Wear a safety belt when driving at all times
- Drive on the correct side of the road
- Observe the road separation lines and keep your lane at all times
- Do not overtake unless it’s safe to do so
Know When Not to Drive
You may be an experienced driver, but there comes a time when you are not in a position to drive. Perhaps you are unwell, drunk, or even tired. During such times, you should avoid driving to stay safe and reduce the possibility of causing an accident. You may call someone you trust to take you to your destination or stay home safely.
You should also not drive when your car has mechanical issues, such as damaged tires, visible damages and dents, or broken side mirrors. A vehicle in such a state may fail you on the road; hence, it’s better to leave it at home.
Get Proper Driving Training
Driving is not easy and requires proper training. Before getting on the road, you should have basic knowledge of the various car parts and how to use them. You should also know the road rules and how to abide by them.
If you are a first-time driver, attend some driving classes to sharpen your skills. Doing so will increase your driving confidence and help you avoid accidents.
Drive With Average Speed
Overspeeding is one of the leading causes of fatal accidents in the United States. It occurs when a driver exceeds the normal authorized vehicle speed, causing possible collisions with other vehicles, people, or trees.
When you overspeed, you can lose control of your vehicle and cause a collision. To prevent this, you should drive at the required speed limit, even if the road is clear.
Improve Driving Safety Today
Most road accidents are preventable; the above tips can help you avoid the most common ones. If you lack driving skills, take your time to learn before driving.
When you finally know how to drive, be keen on traffic rules, avoid overspeeding, and don’t drive under the influence. You should also understand the weather before leaving your house to prevent weather-related accidents.
