The motor Accident statistics in the US are staggering. The average number of car accidents each year is 6 million. Three million people get injured in car accidents and two million of them suffering permanent injuries. Every day, 90 people perish in car accidents. Aside from loss of lives and injuries, accidents result in economic losses.
The cost of hospitalization and the inability to work resulting from accidents can drain your emergency funds and savings and render you income-less for a long time. For drivers who are not at fault, most accidents are unavoidable, regardless of whether you are a veteran driver or just got a Driving license.
Top Driving Tips for Road Safety
To prevent accidents from happening, utmost care must be observed by all drivers at all times. If you are a new driver who is beginning to experience the freedoms of having a vehicle, you must exercise caution even more.
1. Use your seat belt at all times.
According to DriverKnowledge.com, 1 in 7 people do not wear seat belts while driving. Not wearing seat belts is a major cause of many car injuries and deaths. Seat belts are your first line of defense. They reduce the risk of death by 45% and cut the risk of serious injury by half.
2. Avoid distractions.
Distracted driving is the #1 cause of car accidents in the U.S. today. A distracted driver is a motorist who diverts his attention to other things when driving. These distractions are usually caused by talking on the cell phone or texting or by eating. It has been determined that using a cell phone while driving reduces your brain activity associated with driving by 37%. Have your mind fixed on your driving, and nothing else.
3. Do not speed.
The most damaging and lethal car accidents come from speeding – driving 10 to more than 30 mph over the limit – and street racing. Collision and crashes normally occur when you drive beyond the tolerable speed limit for a given driving zone or condition. It is always safest for you and other drivers when you follow speed limits and adjust your speed according to the driving conditions, like bad weather and heavy traffic.
4. Do not drink and drive.
This important pointer is almost a cliché, but surprisingly, many drivers do not put it into practice. Driving while under the influence of alcohol causes many accidents daily. Get a designated driver when you cannot avoid drinking.
5. Avoid reckless driving.
Reckless driving is when you speed unnecessarily, change lanes abruptly or tailgate. Impatient drivers who cannot wait for the appropriate time end up causing needless car accidents.
Accidents don’t always come at a time you least expect them – they come when you are least prepared and mindful of what’s happening on the road. When you stay alert and aware, you can not only maintain a safe driving state of your own, but also anticipate a dangerous situation forming around you and make the necessary adjustments to prevent being involved in an accident.
More Driving Tips on Part 2
Stay tuned for part 2 of our top 10 driving tips to stay safe on the road. To keep you and your vehicle safe at all times and to ensure that you have someone reliable on your side during emergencies or accidents, contact Jon Derrick Insurance Agency. We will protect what is precious to you – 817-423-0048.
