We all want to be safe drivers but how many of you are really doing what you’re supposed to? Here are 4 Ways To Ensure Safety While Driving Your Car

 

4 Ways To Ensure Safety While Driving Your Car

As a driver, safety on the road is vital and should be your primary concern. There are many distractions on the road that can cause accidents. The goal is to maintain your focus to get to your destination safely. However, this is only possible if you master the basic safe driving practices.

Why should you care? Like everyone else, you want to avoid collisions that could result in serious injuries and financial distress. Practicing safe driving prevents ugly incidents on the road and ensures all other road users are safe too.

1.    Ensure the car is in good condition for the trip

The condition of the car determines road safety. Long drives are more demanding and usually push the car to its limits. Service the car before the trip to ensure performance is not compromised. Readiness means changing the oil, checking the tires, checking the engine, checking the braking system, checking the steering, etc.

Wheels play a crucial role in the safety of your car. If they are not reliable, you could end up in a lot of trouble. Here are just a few reasons why you need to make sure that your wheels are always in good condition: (1) Wheels that wobble or shake can cause accidents; (2) Broken or missing rims can also lead to accidents; (3) Damaged tires can cause skidding and loss of control. Make sure to have your wheels checked on a regular basis, and replace any parts that are damaged or worn out. 

These actions determine whether you experience a breakdown or get to your destination safely. Schedule a routine mechanical inspection before you head out.  

2.    Pay attention when driving

A driver should have 100% attention on the road and avoid multitasking.  Using your phone while driving is not only against traffic laws but can be fatal. The distraction caused by multitasking leads to impaired judgment and endangers your life and that of other road users. 

 

Drive as per the recommended speed limits and obey traffic lights. Speeding reduces your reaction time and increases accident risks. More severe accidents are those between speeding vehicles, and they have the highest fatalities. Choose not to be another statistic on the road, but obey the traffic laws and other road users. 

3.    Defensive driving

Always be aware of what is going on around you. It’s always good to expect the unexpected. This requires making assumptions that other drivers are doing something bad and be on guard to avoid it. 

Stick to the two-second cushion separating your car and the one in front of you. This prepares you for emergency situations. Maintain a 4-second cushion when the weather conditions are bad. Also, strictly obey the speed limits.

If you do end up getting into a car accident. The best thing you can do is to ensure that you get car accident lawyers involved in the case. Having lawyers like these on your side can help you to get compensation and avoid jail time if you are liable in any way.

 

4.    Have a safe-driving plan

Set times for other things like food stops, phone calls, gas stations, rest breaks, and other businesses. This helps break driving monotony that can lead to boredom or falling asleep on the steering wheel. Focus on these breaks to add fun and make the experience more lively. 

During the stops, adjust the mirrors, seat, and climate controls before you continue with your journey. Pull-over for meals and drinks, even if it’s for 30 minutes. 

 

Secure your cargo to ensure they don’t swerve when on the road, and never attempt to retrieve something that fell on the floor while driving. Use the rest time to put things you need within reach like toll cards, toll fees or your garage passes. Above all, drive sober and wear a seatbelt.

What To Do In Case Of An Accident

In case you are involved in an accident, however minor, first, ensure nobody is hurt in the car. Proceed to check if the passengers in the other car are hurt. Check the pedestrians or any other person if they are hurt. Do these things thereafter:

 

• Call 911 immediately

Calling 911 ensures the call center dispatches medical personnel and the police to the accident scene. Wait for help to arrive and the police.

 

• Remain at the scene

Leaving the scene of an accident makes you liable to legal consequences including fines, and more violations.

 

• Stay in your car

Remain in your car as you wait for the arrival of the police to finish their investigations and the ambulance to attend to the injured. Don’t stand on the road or a busy highway because of the traffic.

 

• Remain calm

Never get into an argument with the other driver or fight them. You can mutually exchange insurance information and phone contacts. Also, take the witness information to help with liability claims. 

• Call your insurance company

Report the claim to the insurance provider. Expect questions from the agent and to fill up some paperwork concerning the accident. This helps in ensuring the car is fixed.

How To Handle a Traffic Stop

Sometimes the police pull you over. How do you know? The police car flashes the lights. Pull over safely on the side and wait for the police officer to approach your car. If driving at night, turn on your interior lights and keep both hands on the steering wheel. Ensure the hands are visible. Never reach under the glove box or under the seat. The officer may interpret it like you are drawing a weapon.

 

• Provide requested documents

These include proof of insurance and license. Be polite and if asked to get out of the car, do it slowly. If you get a citation, make sure you go to the traffic court to plead your case and contact a car accident lawyer for guidance and advice on what to do next. This ensures you have adequate legal representation and assistance.

 

Long drives have high accident risks because of drowsiness. Take timed breaks to keep the drive joyful, fun, and entertaining. Plus, it allows the body and mind time to rejuvenate. Take meals and drink fluids to hydrate and energize your body before continuing. Always maintain a safe driving distance from the vehicle in front and be alert to take evasive maneuvers when appropriate. Above all, obey traffic laws and observe speed limits.