Did you know an accident happens every 60 seconds in the USA per year? That is the equivalent of around 5.25 million accidents across the nation. The road is a dangerous place.
Unfortunately, in the lifestyle the majority of us have become accustomed to, it is impossible to avoid travel, whether it is getting to and from work, seeing family, or having to pop down to the store to get some groceries. This means you need to be aware of the ways in which you can protect yourself and make sure you are doing everything you can to avoid an accident.
This piece will discuss a few safety tips you should know to keep yourself protected.
Always Wear Your Seatbelt
The seatbelt is such an important piece of kit that it is legally enforced that you wear it in almost every moving car. Interestingly, the brand which was first to develop a 3 point seatbelt patent, Volvo, gave away the blueprints for free for all car manufacturers to use – citing that safety was more important than money.
Using your seatbelt can save your life in the event of a nasty car crash or related injury, so be sure to never skip it. It is also worth noting that you can be fined in many states for not wearing one!
Do Not Drive Tired
Tiredness on the road can be a silent killer, and the numbers are increasing. It is hardly surprising that people are driving while tired, given the number of pressures society places on people, with very little value being placed on sleep- however, it is time to put your sleep hygiene first, as not doing so can cost you your life in many ways.
Make sure to get a full night’s sleep before a particularly long drive, and if you are feeling sleepy behind the wheel, be sure to take a break, no matter where you are supposed to be.
It is also important you are alert to spot others who are not to avoid any accidents.
If you find yourself in a situation that has resulted in an injury due to a tired driver, invest in a car accident attorney immediately and follow the next steps.
Limit Distractions
Even the smallest distraction at the wrong time can have catastrophic consequences, which is why it is important that you limit any distractions as much as possible. This can include but is not limited to loud music, noisy car passengers, or even sat-nav.
There will, of course, be distractions that you cannot control, which is why it is important to stay alert as much as possible, but for whatever you can change, be sure to do so, especially in busy and high concentration areas.
Driving on the road does not have to be a concern as long as you follow basic safety precautions and steps. It is also worth remembering that everyone else is as much of a hazard as anything else – so stay focused.
