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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates up to 42,915 deaths occurred last year, a relatively large increase compared to 2020. There are many contributing factors to road safety accidents, such as road, human, and even vehicle-related factors.
While some of these factors are unavoidable, you can practice road safety and reduce the chances of getting into an accident. Vulnerable road users such as motorcyclists, pedestrians, and cyclists are especially at risk, so it is always best to take precautions to keep everyone safe.
We examine seven road safety tips that can help you avoid risks on the road, injuries, or even death.
What Are The Keys To Road Safety?
Here are road safety tips everyone should follow when driving:
Follow Traffic Signs
Traffic rules are important because they promote order on the roads. That is why before you can drive, you are required to learn the traffic signs and their meanings.
Being able to recognize these signs makes it easier for you to follow them and understand the warnings they give.
For instance, speed limits and crossroads signs alert road users to potential risks helping them avoid a collision.
Common road signs that warn you of possible risks include deer crossing signs, men at work signs, pedestrian crossing signs, and stop signs, among others.
Wear a Seatbelt
Up to 58% of fatalities that occur at night are a result of being unrestrained in the vehicle. Buckling up is the single most important precaution you can take to keep yourself safe in case of an accident.
Even if you are a good driver with a perfect driving record, it does not mean you will not encounter aggressive, impaired, or distracted drivers on the road. Wearing a seatbelt keeps you safe inside your vehicle and prevents you from getting ejected from your seat.
If you do not buckle up, in case of an accident, you could be thrown into the frontal airbag, which has enough force to cause serious injuries or even death. A seat belt also protects you from getting projected into the windshield or dangerously tumbling around in case the car flips over during an accident.
When driving with kids in the car, always make sure they are safely strapped into their seats.
Do Not Drink and Drive
The NHTSA estimates that up to 32 deaths occur every day in the United States as a result of drunk driving. This accounts for up to a third of all traffic-related deaths in the country and is a road safety hazard to everyone, not just you.
Do not get behind the wheel, even if you have had what you consider a small amount of alcohol. Drinking impairs your judgment and seriously impacts your reaction time. You may even fall asleep at the wheel.
If you are going to an event that will have alcohol, make plans to get home beforehand. With modern apps such as Uber and Lyft, it is now easier to get home after a night out. You can also plan to have a designated driver who will take you home.
Read more on the 11 Consequences of Drinking and Driving
Be Courteous on The Road
If a car ahead of you stops unexpectedly, it can cause a multiple-car accident. Always give way and keep a safe distance from the other vehicles around you.
Even if you are in a hurry, it is important to be courteous to all road users as you are all sharing the same road.
If you have an emergency, make use of your hazard lights to let other drivers know and give way. In the same breath, always give way to drivers who have their hazard lights on to avoid collisions with other innocent road users.
Do not stop unexpectedly on the highway; take the next ramp and stop away from traffic. If you are driving on an open road, such as in a rural area, give way to motorcyclists and cyclists. When driving in poor visibility, keep your lights on to let other drivers see your car.
Stay Calm
Always keep a cool head when driving. It is not uncommon to find yourself driving on congested roads or stuck in traffic for hours. However, it is critical to remain calm even if you are getting late to avoid altercations with other motorists.
Staying patient also allows you to be courteous to other road users who might need your help. Remember, getting impatient will not help the roads open up more quickly.
Defensive Driving
Taking unnecessary risks on the road or even losing focus can cause serious collisions. When you practice defensive driving, you stay aware of the actions of other road users.
For instance, a car slowing down near you might mean they are giving way to another road user. Attempting to overtake, in this case, might result in a serious crash, even at low speeds.
Defensive driving also prepares you for road users who make sudden turns or other unexpected actions. Caution on the roads allows you to act quickly and avoid accidents. It also helps keep your reflexes sharp.
Remember, do not use your phone or get distracted by your passenger. It is also important to keep a safe distance from the car ahead of you and always stay within the speed limit. Overtake only when you are sure it is safe. When driving alone, avoid stopping in remote areas.
Car Safety Check
Poor vehicle maintenance practices can cause serious traffic and even endanger your life on the road. Whether you are taking a short trip to the supermarket or a long road trip with the family, servicing your car regularly can help you avoid unexpected problems.
Some things to check before departure include:
- Fluids and leaks
- Brakes
- Seatbelts
- Horn
- Steering mechanism
- Lights
- Tires
- Windows and mirrors
- Seats
- Air conditioning, heating system, vents
- Gauges, including gas and engine temperature
- Windshield sprayer and wipers
Performing a car safety check ensures that your car is roadworthy. Always ensure your car is equipped with:
- First aid kit
- Spare fuses
- Jack
- Flashlight
- Spare tire
- Warning triangles
- Highly Visible Clothing
Remember to always keep your car clean to make it easy to spot new leaks and other damages. Stow away items such as emergency equipment and tools to prevent injury and make it easier to find them in an emergency.
Once you have performed a road safety check, if there is a major problem, always head to the mechanic first, fix it yourself, or find other means of transport.
How To Avoid Car Accidents On Road Safety
We all want to arrive safely at our destination. Using these road safety tips, you can avoid accidents, particularly those involving young victims. Even when there are no visible consequences, such as injuries, accidents can severely impact your life.
For instance, a collision can cause your insurance premiums to go up; you may be sued for emotional suffering even if you are not at fault or get exposed for personal liability. Slow down and drive safely to prevent accidents.
Always observe the road rules, drive at an appropriate speed, and minimize distractions to avoid an accident. If you are taking a long trip, remember to get adequate rest, as driving while fatigued can also cause accidents.
While there is plenty of information about road safety, it is not uncommon to meet bad drivers who do not comply with traffic rules. Always stay alert of other drivers and drive away from aggressive or impaired drivers to prevent accidents.
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