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Driving can be dangerous, which is why car manufacturers put so much effort into rigorous testing; it’s also why drivers must pass a strict driving test before they can use the roads legally. Here are some simple safety tips to keep you safe on the road.
Avoid Distractions
Unfortunately, the world is full of distractions; many of them come from smartphones these days that are always sending us notifications and demanding our attention. This can be extremely hazardous when it comes to driving because a moment of inattention can cause an accident.
When you’re driving, make sure your smartphone is stored away safely somewhere and switched off, so you are not tempted to look at it. These days, there are many drivers that look at these smartphones at traffic lights, but this can also be disruptive and is against the law.
Keep your focus on the road and any potential dangers you might encounter. That phone call or text message is not worth the life of you or your loved ones who may be in the car with you.
Keep Your Distance
Most drivers have been in a situation where they have had to slam on the brakes at the last minute to avoid plowing into the car in front of them. This can happen at any time, whether it’s a deer darting out in front of the car in front of you or a child chasing a ball into the street. You may not see what is in front of the cars in front of you so you must be prepared to stop at a moment’s notice without rear-ending the car in front of you. A study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that almost 30% of all traffic accidents that result in serious injury are caused by rear-end collisions.
This is the reason why safe driving requires you to keep your distance from the car in front. The general rule is at least three car lengths or more depending on your speed and the driving conditions. An easy way to figure this out is referred to as the three-second rule. That means that when a car passes any given point, you should be able to count to at least three (one Mississippi, two Mississippi, three Mississippi) before you reach that same point.
Anticipate Other Driver’s Errors
Defensive driving is one of the best ways to avoid accidents on the road. Defensive driving involves anticipating the behavior of other drivers and taking evasive action; this might involve waiting a few extra seconds to see which way a car turns, even when using indicators.
That said, even the most careful and defensive drivers can encounter an accident on the road. If you are involved in an accident, contact personal injury lawyers white law pllc to find out what your rights are as the victim of someone else’s negligence.
Avoid Adverse Weather
One of the leading causes of accidents on the road is adverse weather conditions. Any type of extreme weather can cause accidents, such as black ice, wet surfaces, strong winds, and even blinding sunlight. Ensure you are prepared for all adverse weather conditions.
Start by changing the tires based on the season you are driving in. It might not seem important, but winter tires give you better grip and traction on the road. It’s also a good idea to always keep a pair of sunglasses in the car and to check weather conditions before driving.
Regular Servicing
Finally, make sure you have your car serviced regularly to ensure you are safe on the roads. A car service will top up all the fluid levels, check the tires, change the filters, and change the oil to ensure your car runs properly. Most cars need to be serviced every 10,000 miles. Regular car servicing will also help to catch small issues before they turn into a big one.
