Car accidents are the leading cause of death in most countries. Nearly 1.25 million people die in road crashes each year, making an average of 3,200 deaths a day.
Road safety is a collective responsibility involving commitment and apprised decision-making by the government, industry, international agencies and non-governmental organizations. It also comes down to the drivers to take caution when driving to avoid accidents. For more information regarding road safety tips contact Groth & associates for a detailed probe.
Conferred down below are practical ways the driver can employ to avoid a car accident.
Proper car maintenance
Negligence of car maintenance spells costly for the driver. The car can develop a problem with time, or it might come with a defect since most products cannot be made perfect and a car is no exception. It is therefore imperative to have frequent service check-ups and proper maintenance of the vehicle to avoid any future complications that may arise while driving.
Being vigilant when driving
It is the responsibility of the driver to observe every possible rule set to govern road users and proper use of their vehicles. Most drivers tend to ignore the rules and drive recklessly. It eventually leads to an accident which could have been easily avoided. Road signs are also significant in making the driver conscious of potential hazards they might encounter, for example, animal crossing.
Reduce distractions
The driver should try as much as he can to reduce distraction while driving. These include changing radio stations, using a cellphone, eating or fleetingly taking a hand off the wheel. There can be a pothole up ahead, or an animal might be crossing, and it might cause the car to swerve off the road causing a severe accident.
Be courteous to other drivers and road users
Nobody owns the road. Show respect for other road users and care for everyone’s safety. In case you notice a reckless driver or any suspicious driving immediately report the activity to the authorities. It could end up preventing a catastrophe.
Do not tailgate
Make sure to give the car in front of you a three-second cushion or even a five-second head start to be safer. It is beneficial during a jam to avoid bumping into the car when it suddenly brakes. As tempting as it sounds when in a hurry to avoid this cautionary procedure, tailgating is a chief cause of accidents nowadays.
Know your car’s limits
Some accidents happen because the driver pushed the vehicle far beyond its capabilities. Whether you are driving a sports car or an SUV, it is vital that you know the speed limit of the vehicle at which you can still safely maneuver it. You should also know its emergency braking capabilities
Avoid driving at night (unless you have to)
It is particularly hazardous to drive during the night. One, it is difficult to see clearly during nighttime. Two, this is the time when most drivers feel fatigued, and they might therefore easily get distracted. There is also a higher chance to come across a drunk driver at night.
Keep an eye out for pedestrians
Be alert and watch out for pedestrians. Some might be jogging or walking close to the road and can potentially cause you to veer off the road. To be safe, drive at low speeds when passing through crowded areas.
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