10 Safe Driving Tips For Road and Car safety
According to the National Highway Traffic Administration, approximately 1.25 million people die each year from traffic injuries.
Whether you’re seasoned or new-to-the road driver, implementing the following safety tips and preventative measures can help you avoid accidents and reduce you risk of injury and costly claims.
1. Never Drive Drunk
More than 30% of fatal car accidents involve alcohol. Alcohol impairs your ability to drive in several ways, including:
- Reduced reaction time
- Reduced judgment
- Reduced coordination
- Increased risk-taking
- Impaired vision
- Drowsiness
Even low levels of alcohol can reduce your reaction time and contribute to reckless driving choices.
Not only is driving dangerous, it’s also a crime–both driving under the influence (DUI) and driving while intoxicated (DWI). In the United States, operating a vehicle with a blood-alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 or higher can result in jail time, hefty fines, and insurance ramifications.
| Regardless of your driving history, coverage is just a click away. |
| Get a quick quote for nonstandard auto insurance. |
2. Always Wear your Seat Belt
When you wear your seat belt as a front-seat passenger, you can limit your chances of moderate to severs injuries by 50%. You can also reduce the chance of a fatality by 45%. It may seem obvious, but one in 10 drivers and passengers report not wearing their seat belt.
You can’t get any more essential and easy than bucking up whenever you’re in the car.
3. Educate Teen Drivers
Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among teens aged 16-19. Unfortunately, this age group also has a fatal crash rate nearly three times as high as drivers aged 20 and older.
Whether you’re a parent or simply and adult teaching someone how to drive, it’s to you to explain the risk distracted driving, drunk driving, and other dangerous behaviors. You can set a good example by following safe driving practices and reinforcing the importance of responsible driving.
Encourage your teen drivers to limit the number of passengers in their cars, avoid their phones while driving, and never get behind the wheel after drinking.
4. Perform Regular Vehicle Maintenance
Regular maintenance is essential to keeping your vehicle running smoothly and reducing the risk of accidents.
Make sure the mechanic does the following at your regular check-ups:
. Checks the brakes
Checks the battery
Inspects and rotates/balances the tires
Changes the oil
Ensures the lights are working
Checks the windshield wipers
Inspects the belts and hoses
Checks the fluids
Check the suspension and steering
If the mechanic finds any issues during the inspection, have them fix the problem areas immediately. You don’t the issues to turn into bigger headaches-and larger safety hazards-down the road.
5. Practice Defensive Driving
Defensive driving involves being aware of your surroundings and and anticipating potential hazards on the road. Make sure you’re driving defensively by:
- Staying alert and avoiding distractions
- Keeping a safe following distance
- Scanning the road ahead for potential hazards
- Following the speed limit and all traffic laws
- Using your signal when you need to turn
- You can even get a discount on most insurance policies for participating in a defensive driver course.
6. Avoid Distractions
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of accidents–and death–on the roadway. Avoid this deadly habit by:
Storing your mobile phone while driving,
Limiting how often you touch and look at you GPS, radio, and other electronics
Limiting conversation with passengers
Avoiding eating and drinking
Using voice commands if your car is equipped with voice-activated technology
7. Don’t Drive when you’re Drowsy
Did you know that driving while drowsy is as dangerous as driving drunk or high? Like alcohol and drugs, driving drowsy can impair your ability to drive safely and react quickly. Avoid drowsy driving by:
Getting enough sleep
Driving only during your regular working hours
Taking breaks
Recognizing when you’re tired so you can pull over a nap or ask a passenger to drive for a while
8. Share the Road Responsibly
Sharing the road is an important part of being a safe driver. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
Be aware of other vehicles and any nearby pedestrians or cyclist
Yield to pedestrians– they always have the right of way
Pass cyclists at a distance and never honk them
Always use your turn signals
9. Avoid Road Rage
Sixty-six percent of traffic fatalities come from aggressive driving and road rage. To keep your cool on the road, give yourself plenty of time to reach your destination. Rushing around often leaves people feeling anxious while driving. So leave early, listen to calming music or your favorite podcast, and avoid gesturing if other drivers to something you don’t like.
10 Keep your Distance
Tailgating-following too closely behind the vehicle ahead of you–is a dangerous habit. Instead, stay an appropriate distance from them. Experts recommend keeping at least three seconds between your vehicle and the one in front. To do this, pick a stationary object on the road, such as a sign or a tree, and count the seconds it takes to reach the object after the leading vehicle passes it.
- Vehicle safety: Frequently asked questions
- What are some common causes of car accidents?
- How can i help insure my vehicle is in good condition before a long drive?
- What should do if I’m involved in an accident?
- What are the most important traffic laws to know?
- What’s important to do in school zones?
- What are some defensive driving techniques?
Protect yourself and your Car with auto Insurance
Car safety and protecting yourself and your fellow drivers is essential, but accidents can still happen. We offer a variety of affordable and valuable auto coverage to help protect you financially if an accident occurs.