Car accidents can be enormously painful, frightening, costly, and time-consuming. Every year, more than 1.25 million people die in car accidents – over 3,200 people die every day worldwide – so, more than 20 million people are suffering injuries or are disabled due to car crashes. The main reason why people suffer from car accidents is due to not wearing the seatbelt. 

The first rule for safe driving is to stop, look, and listen. Don’t drive chaotically and be aware of the road signs. Make sure you observe the red-light runner, keep both hands on the steering wheel, look back and forth, and treat other drivers with respect. No one owns the roads, so make sure you avoid doing any suspicious movement. 

Fortunately, there are some great techniques to follow so that you can drive safely. 

Avoid Distractions

The first thing you need to do in traffic is to avoid any distractions, such as texting or phone calls. It may not seem such a big deal, but while driving, the slightest inattention can lead to terrible accidents. According to studies, millions of people are killed in fatal accidents, and thousands of them are injured. Drivers can easily get distracted; it means that driving while engaging in other activities can take your attention off the road. The driver can be distracted with the hands, with the eyes, or by their thoughts. 

However, out of all of these distractions, it is considered that texting is the worst of all. According to NSC (National Safety Council), millions of car accidents per year are provoked by texting or phone calls while driving. Most drivers said that they find it tempting to check their phones while driving. To cut off these habits, follow these ten tips to ensure that you don’t use your cellphone while you are behind the steering wheel.

 

  • Let everyone know that you are going on the road, so they don’t bother you while driving. 
  • Turn off your phone, or turn it on silent mode.
  • Keep your cellphone in the back of your car. 
  • Use wireless earphones if it’s necessary to have a phone conversation while driving. 
  • Buy a GPS navigation system; it will be safer for you because you won’t have to use your phone.
  • Download apps that allow you to send voice messages.
  • If you want to serve your lunch in the car, make sure you pull over first. 
  • Don’t take too many passengers with you in the car, as they can distract you. 
  • If you’re on a long road trip, pull over if you feel tired. Even better, spend a night at a hotel, and continue your driving in the morning. 
  • Most importantly, don’t try to reach for things that fall when driving.

 

If you follow these tips, you’ll eliminate any distractions that can affect your driving. Focus on the road so you can avoid suffering from a car accident. 

Defensive Driving Course

No matter how good you are as a driver, you’ll never know how easily you can lose control over your wheel and what can happen around you. There are many things you can’t control, such as aggressive drivers, bad weather, bad roads, mechanical problems, and so on. All of these can expose you and your passengers to accidents. So, this is the moment when you should consider taking a defensive driving course. It will teach you new safe driving techniques that can allow you to have better control over your car in emergency circumstances. 

Also, you’ll learn how to calm yourself if dealing with emotional stress. Besides, there is another essential thing you should do to maintain the safety of your vehicle, but most importantly, your life. Supplying camera systems are critical for providing safety and confidence while driving. In case someone hits your vehicle, a video recording system will allow you to see how the incident happened. It is very important to supply your car with systems that are easy to operate, driver-friendly, and deliver peace of mind while driving.  

Don’t Get Behind the Wheel After You Consumed Alcohol

We all know how funny it is to go out, have a few drinks, and then drive back home. Well, driving home after you consumed alcohol is the worst idea ever. However, most people are still doing this, as we can conclude after reviewing the studies above of deaths due to car accidents. We all know how dangerous it is to drive while drunk. Despite these hazards, some people still feel like they own the roads after a couple of drinks. But one should understand that alcohol can slow down your reactions and your thinking time. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, traffic fatalities are caused by drunk drivers. So, if you’re planning to go out, make sure you leave the keys of your vehicle on the countertop and order an Uber or a cab. Don’t think about the money; even though cabs can be a little pricey, it’s better to arrive with less money at home, but safe. It’s simple: don’t ever drink and get behind the steering wheel, it’s not worth it. 

Don’t Drive Over the Speed Limit

Driving over the speed limit is causing thousands of fatal injuries annually. Of course, when you get behind the wheel and speed up, it doesn’t seem like a big deal, but it could cost your life. Or, at least, damage your vehicle. When driving over the speed, you choose to do something illegal and put the lives of other passengers in danger. The most popular excuse that most people use is that they are always in a hurry. It’s understandable, but to make sure you avoid accidents from occurring, give yourself enough time to arrive where you need to. 

Also, the speed limit can cost a lot of money and points. So, to avoid losing your license and stick to the right speed limit. Also, never assume how other people drive. Not everyone is as concerned as you when it comes to traffic safety. You can control the way you drive, so make sure that you are safe, no matter where you’re going. 

 

Author's Bio: 

Cynthia Madison