Did you know that driving distractions are the number one cause of car accidents? As the new year rolls around, many people are getting back into the swing of daily life. Safety habits can slip away for people who don’t drive all that much.
It’s time to brush up on some driving safety facts that most people have forgotten to ensure you’re safe on the roads.
1. Always Ensure Proper Car Maintenance
Maintenance is crucial to ensuring your vehicle runs at maximum performance, which is essential to a safe drive. Regular oil changes, fluid level or drain checks, tire pressure monitoring, filter replacement, and brake checks are extremely important to uphold.
Remember to check your lights and wiper paste and ensure all windows are properly sealed. Pay attention to your car’s performance. If it’s making strange noises or seems to jerk or slip, take it in for service.
2. Be Aware of Your Surroundings
Drivers must be aware of their surroundings and never take driving safety for granted. Many people forget or are unaware of driving safety facts, which can help prevent potential hazards and car accident prevention.
Distractions such as eating and playing loud music should be avoided as they can be dangerous and can lead to an accident. Driving at night requires extra care as visibility is much less than during the day, making it difficult to anticipate obstacles.
3. Never Drive When Tired or Impaired
Most people know that driving while tired or impaired can be dangerous and sometimes deadly. However, several facts about driving rules often slip our minds.
Drunk driving is the leading cause of fatal car accidents, yet statistics show that drowsy or fatigued drivers are almost as likely to be involved in fatal crashes. If this happens, you should try hiring a car accident lawyer.
Furthermore, drivers who have been awake for more than 24 hours have a comparable reaction time to drivers who are legally intoxicated.
4. Weather Conditions Increase the Risk of Accidents
When driving in rain or fog, visibility can be poor, and road conditions can be hazardous. It is important to reduce speed and make sure to allow additional time to brake and react to changes in the road.
Utilizing headlights and wipers properly can greatly improve visibility. Snow, ice, and slippery roadways also reduce traction and increase the chances of skidding. Drivers should slow down and increase their following distance from the vehicles in front of them.
5. Carefully Consider the Distraction Risk of Technology
As modern cars increasingly adopt touchscreen displays and other devices, the risk increases of drivers being distracted. This, in turn, increases the chances of an accident.
It is important to remember that all technologies should be used minimally while driving and, even then, should be used cautiously. That includes electronic devices like phones, tablets, audio players, and in-car systems like navigation and climate control.
Learn Driving Safety Now
Driving safety is the responsibility of everyone on the road. We should all be aware of the important safety facts and act accordingly. This is why it’s important to have driving lessons from trusted schools like Go And Drive.
Doing so can reduce the number of injuries and fatalities on the road. When in doubt, remember to drive carefully and always wear your seatbelt. So, buckle up and drive safely.
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