Injuries Occur More Often When We Are Not Alert: How To Be Safe
A report published by the National Safety Council shows that traffic deaths have increased by 8% in 2020. That’s despite the fact that the pandemic and state lockdowns reduced the number of people traveling across the country.
In most of these accidents, distracted driving is to blame. In fact, the NHTSA reports that distracted driving is one of the leading causes of fatal road accidents. In 2019 alone, it claimed the lives of more than 3,142 Americans.
Therefore, the responsibility to reduce fatalities and gruesome road injuries largely lies with the drivers. In today’s review, we will share some of the things you can do while on the road to reduce the risk of getting involved in a car crash.
1. Avoid Distractions While On The Road
The NHTSA describes distracted driving as any sort of driving where the driver’s attention is compromised. This can be due to talking to other passengers, texting, eating, drinking, etc. Avoiding distractions while driving prevents road accidents from happening in the first place. It allows you to see hazards in time and react accordingly to safeguard yourself and other motorists.
2. Maintain Your Car Regularly
Driving a car with mechanical defects increases the risks of a crash tremendously. That’s why you should never skip routine maintenance. In addition to the occasional check done by a mechanic, perform regular checks yourself every few days.
Below are some of the vital maintenance tasks:
- Maintain and replace the wiper blades when necessary
- Change the oil regularly
- Rotate the tires and ensure they have the correct air pressure
- Check the brake pads and have them replaced once they’re worn out
- Replace your air filter when necessary
- Check the spark plugs
- Check the air hoses and serpentine belts
- Check the battery life
A well-maintained car also reduces your liability in case you get in a crash. It’s possible to get injured in a car accident despite all your efforts to keep your eyes on the road and have your car in great condition. In such an instance, a vehicle accident attorney will have an easier time proving you were the victim and get you the compensation you deserve.
3. Always Drive In The Right Position
Drivers must be comfortable while driving as this affects their concentration. A terrible driving position may also induce fatigue which can result in accidents. Adjust your seat and make sure it’s in a perfect position. You should be close enough to operate the pedals and steering without straining. However, you shouldn’t be too close to the airbags. Upon collision, airbags can be deployed with great pressure, which can cause burns and other injuries if the driver was sitting too close to them.
Another way of reducing the risk of airbag injuries is having the steering point towards your chest and not the head. Lastly, make sure you are seated in an upright position. Driving requires quick reflexes, especially when hazards appear on the road suddenly. The few seconds between seeing the danger and responding to it can mean life and death. Your response will be much better when seated upright. Moreover, the majority of care safety measures are usually designed around an upright sitting driver. Therefore, to get the best protection from the safety features in your car, seat properly.
4. Wear The Seat Belt At All Times
Always put your seat belt on when in the car. It doesn’t matter if it’s a long road trip on an open road or a short drive down the block. You should know that how you wear the seat belt is also critical. Ensure the belt is worn correctly and fits properly.
5. Observe The Traffic Rules
One of the theories posed to explain the increase in traffic deaths in 2020 is that drivers took advantage of the open roads to exceed speed limits. Always follow the traffic rules even if you are the only person on the road. Check the lights, observe the signs, use your indicators, etc.
6. Don’t Drink And Drive
This has been said so many times, yet people are still breaking the law. In 2019, 10,142 people died due to drunk driving. That’s 28% of all the road fatalities reported in the year. Don’t let yourself be part of these statistics. Avoid driving when going to parties. If you find yourself drunk with your car in the parking lot, don’t pick it up. Take an uber.
Being a responsible driver reduces the risk of accidents significantly. But that alone is not enough. Always drive on high alert to protect yourself from the recklessness of other motorists.
