Avoid Risky Driving: 7 Tips for Staying Safe on the Road

According to Driverknowledge.com, there are around six million car accidents a year. In those accidents, around three million people are injured and two million of those experience permanent injuries. Although there’s no guarantee that you can totally avoid car accidents, here are seven tips for staying safe on the road.

1.  Do not use your phone or text while you’re driving.

When you are the driver, it’s crucial that your main concern is the road. Don’t mess with your phone or put yourself in a situation where you need to look at the screen. Instead, turn on your Bluetooth so any important information or calls can come through your hearing device.

If you’re using your phone for directions, turn on the audio navigation. This will save you from having to look at a small map, figure out where you are, and decide where you need to go from there. By keeping your eyes on the road, you can avoid potential accidents caused by you or someone else.

2.  Do not use drugs or alcohol and drive.

By now, we all know that it’s illegal to drink and drive. We also know that it’s illegal to use drugs and drive. Many people don’t realize that it’s also illegal to use certain prescription medications and drive.

Even if you have a prescription for your medication, if it has a warning label indicating that you should not operate heavy machinery, you may not legally drive. So, before you take your prescriptions and hit the road, double check to ensure that they will not impair your ability to drive.

3.  Follow the speed limit.

Speed limits were created for a reason–safety. There is thought and discussion behind each posted number you see on the road. Although many factors are considered, the primary concern is public safety. When you obey the speed limit, you improve your odds of staying safe on the road.

4.  Keep a safe distance.

This is crucial for defensive driving! You want to make sure that you keep a safe distance in front of you while you’re driving and when you stop at a light. By keeping this space, you make it less likely that you will rear-end the person in front of you.

When you’re driving, you want to keep enough space so that you’ll have time to respond if the person in front of you suddenly slams on the brakes. (Your state driver’s manual will indicate exactly how much room you should have between you and another vehicle.) When you’re stopped at a light, you want to leave enough space in front of you just in case someone behind you doesn’t notice that you’re stopped and plows into you. This space in front of you could mean that you avoid hitting a car after you are hit.

5.  Visually inspect your car before driving it.

Before you drive your car, make sure that it’s ready for the road.

• Check that your tires are inflated and in good condition. If you see that a tire is low or that the tread is thin, get your tire repaired before you head out.
• Start your car and read your gauges. Always make sure that your car is either outside or that your garage door is up when you start it.
• Check your gas and oil levels.
• Make sure you have enough windshield wiper fluid.
• Listen to your engine. Make sure that it’s running smoothly and that you don’t hear any odd noises.

6.  Make sure everyone wears a seat belt.

Seat belts save lives. Before you head out on the road, make sure that everyone in your car is buckled correctly.

7.  Use a size and age-appropriate car seat for children.

Car seats are created specifically for children of certain sizes and ages. That’s why it’s so important that you follow the directions and use the car seat that best suits the child. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation as well.

If You’ve Been Injured in a Nebraska Car Accident…

Car accidents are common. As the statistics show, many people are seriously injured in car accidents. If you have been injured in a car accident in Nebraska, contact Inkelaar Law. Our personal injury attorneys will fight to make sure you get the justice you deserve. Give us a call today at (877) 537-4665 or contact us online.