The latest figures on collisions are both alarming and frightening. According to the National Safety Council, 42,060 people died due to motor vehicle accidents in the United States in 2020. This marks an 8% rise over the previous years and the highest number of deaths in 13 years. Additionally, a recent report from the New York City Police Department records 8,640 vehicular collision reports for April 2021 alone.
Accidents will happen as people are bound to make mistakes on the road. Luckily, there are preventive measures and techniques available to lessen the number of incidents and casualties.
A Well-Maintained Vehicle
Ensure that your car’s vital elements perform well with frequent tests, adjustments, modifications, and repairs. The brake lining is one of the vehicle sections that is sometimes disregarded but must constantly be in good working order. Your brake lining should be checked between 25,000 and 65,000 miles or approximately every six months as a good rule of thumb.
However, note that factors, such as usage and manufacturers, differ for each driver and vehicle. Thus, make it a point to refer to your owner’s handbook for further information. Additionally, maintaining the windshield fluid level adequate and the tires aligned and filled minimizes the possibility of blowouts. It also ensures that the automobile will stop at a suitable distance from the vehicle in front of it.
Keep an Eye on Your Blind Spots
Over 800,000 blind spot-related crashes are reported each year, 300 of which result in fatalities. Even with the high-end mirrors and technology available in the market, there will always be blind areas surrounding your car when driving. However, that doesn’t mean you should ditch it altogether.
It’s a good idea to get into the habit of checking each side every time you change lanes to assist you. Additionally, this strategy is effective for identifying motorcyclists approaching roads or entering and exiting traffic.
Keep Your Cool, and Watch Out for Irresponsible Drivers
Others’ behaviors are impossible to foretell, but you can keep an eye on them and take precautions. If you witness someone driving on the wrong side of the road, do not retaliate in a way that would endanger you. Instead, try to get out of the lane and distance yourself from the careless motorist.
The most apparent but practical approach to protect oneself against dangerous drivers is to stay away from them. Report them to the authorities if you believe they are posing an urgent threat to other motorists.
Turn Your Alert Radars On
When you’re driving, you need to stay alert. Allowing oneself to be crammed in by other vehicles is never a good idea. Make sure you’re not moving into someone else’s zone by adjusting your location.
Keep a safe gap between yourself and the other cars in your lane. If a tailgater follows you, don’t get in their way and instead try to slow down. Contrary to what most motorists feel, this is not a challenge nor a threat to your ego. Thus, you shouldn’t engage in it as it will only harm you further. Instead, change lanes to allow them to pass.
Prepare for the Worst
Accidents happen from time to time. It’s crucial to educate yourself on the types of catastrophes that can occur on the routes you often travel. Learn about the escape and emergency routes in your area in the event of a disaster, attack, accident, and other forms of emergency. Ensure that you maintain a copy of rescue numbers available in your area.
Aside from bringing your toolbox and other essential and necessary equipment for your car, make it a point to keep an emergency kit in your vehicle as well at all times. Finally, remember to obtain car insurance from a reliable company to cover your expenditures and protect you if your car is damaged, you get into an accident, or you or your passengers are injured.
Gear Up
Tinted glass is typically used to cover car windows. However, the windshield is generally exposed, which can be dangerous for drivers sensitive to light. For example, sunlight or any bright lights may easily irritate and harm your eyes, causing headaches and impairing your ability to drive. Make it a point to use sunglasses to avoid such incidents and make driving more pleasant.
When you’re behind the wheel, whether alone or with a passenger, the most important thing to remember is to drive safely. We’re more vulnerable than ever. Therefore, it’s critical to understand and follow safe driving principles at all times. You and your companions in your vehicle can avoid getting into problems if you follow appropriate safety recommendations.
