Ways to Stay Safe on the Road
The road can be an unforgiving place. Accidents happen all the time, whether or not they are caused by motorists. According to the Association for Safe International Travel, about 1.25 million people each year die as a result of collisions or mishaps that happen on the road.
Many of these accidents are avoidable, so every car driver is responsible for each other. Whether you’re on four wheels or two, you will have to do your part in keeping our vast road network safe.
1. Follow the speed limit
Don’t let your guard down, especially if you’re driving on a fast road. At such a speed, you’re more likely to sustain serious injuries if you hit another car or immobile object. Getting pulled over by traffic police would be the least of your worries. When it comes to avoiding a highway pile up, the speed limit can be the difference between life and death.
2. Check your vehicle
Knowing if it’s safe to drive is an important part of being a responsible motorist. Make sure all aspects of the vehicle are in optimum condition. This means you will have to check for leaks and make sure every nut and bolt is firmly screwed on. You also need to inspect your windshield as even tiny cracks can become a big issue.
3. Find out if you’re driving the right vehicle
In many cases, the condition of your vehicle won’t exactly matter. In fact, the type of vehicle you’re driving can also have as much of an impact on your safety. Without a doubt, motorcyclists are at a great disadvantage due to the minimal protection they have, which also explains why the consequences of a motorcycle crash are too serious to ignore. It doesn’t necessarily mean that riding a motorcycle is more dangerous, but it helps if you already know the risks involved.
4. Get rid of distractions
When you’re behind the wheel, you need to keep your eyes on the road at all times. It can get exhausting at best, especially if you’re driving across the country. But it does make sense to reduce distractions whenever you can. Even a hands-free device causes distractions and increases your risk of being involved in an accident. The National Safety Council states that 27 percent of all road accidents in 2015 were caused by phone conversations regardless if it’s wireless or not!
This is a collaborative article.
The News Wheel is a digital auto magazine providing readers with a fresh perspective on the latest car news. We’re located in the heart of America (Dayton, Ohio) and our goal is to deliver an entertaining and informative perspective on what’s trending in the automotive world. See more articles from The News Wheel.