4 Ways to Stay Safe While Driving

You head off to work, the local store or an over the road vacation, without any thoughts about the possibility of getting into an accident. Yet, according to statistics, in 2018, there were 40,000 deaths caused by accidents while driving. The good news is that you can prevent yourself and your family from joining these statistics by practicing safe driving., Stay Alert, Operating a motor vehicle, whether traveling alone or with passengers, is a big responsibility that you should never take lightly. Distractions can take your eyes off the road, and even when you only do it for a second, this is a dangerous action. In the blink of an eye, a vehicle can come out of nowhere, and with a delayed reaction, you can become a victim, whether in an SUV, a car or on a motorcycle. Luckily, if you commute to, say, New York City, and should become injured on a motorcycle, through no fault of your own, a New York City motorcycle accident attorney can help you settle the case and get the money you need and deserve., When you drive your focus should stay on the road and the drivers around you. Use your mirrors to view the traffic around you continually, and if driving through town, make sure to obey the set speed limits and look out for children and pets that, at any given moment, can enter the street. Also, make sure to get a good night’s rest before a long drive, to ensure you will be functioning at 100 percent., Vehicle Inspections, Some states no longer require an annual vehicle safety inspection. In these states, drivers may have bald tires or worn brakes that can falter. If you live in one of these states, it’s up to you, as the owner and driver of a vehicle to make sure that your car is functioning properly. If you notice something is not quite right, take your vehicle in for an inspection and let a qualified auto mechanic check it out. And, when driving, it’s essential to pay attention to others on the road too, especially during inclement weather. Use the 2-second distance rule so that you have ample time to react, and double it in bad weather., Never Drive Impaired, With the focus on drugs and alcohol abuse, operating a motor vehicle while under the influence is irresponsible and reckless. However, some people still think that they can leave a party or event and drive. When under the influence, your reflexes are not at 100 percent and your vision may also be impaired. This puts you at a higher risk for injuring not only yourself but others on the road, too. If you indulge on the weekend, make sure that you don’t drive until you have waited the allotted time and are sober., Eyes on the Road, Most times, advancements in technology make your life easier. However, some people still don’t understand that you can’t text and drive. Cell phones are fantastic tools for pulling up a GPS map and getting directions to a location. Unfortunately, many people who drive fidget around with their phones while the car is in motion. This can lead to a serious accident, especially if you are driving on the highway at much higher speeds., Children or adults who are having an argument inside the vehicle, a spilled drink or a pet that’s not restrained can also cause you to take your eyes off the road and put everyone in danger. If you plan to travel with children, bring along things to entertain them and occupy their time. And, with pets, install a gate that keeps them in the back of the vehicle., Safety First, Before heading out for a long drive, make sure that you have everything you need (luggage, kids, pets, etc.) properly secured, that you have money for tolls, that your beverage and ID are within easy reach. This will prevent you from having to fumble around while driving and help you keep your eyes on the road. If something you need should happen to fall to the floor, pull your vehicle over at the next exit or to the side of the road when you’re able to do so safely., When traveling, practice defensive driving, stay alert, keep your eyes on the road, and make sure your vehicle can pass inspection. By doing these things, it will help to improve your chances of not becoming a victim involved in a horrific car accident.