Road safety should be your priority every time you take out your vehicle for a drive. Unfortunately, not everyone feels the same about it. Some individuals put too much faith in their driving skills but are red flags regarding traffic laws. As a driver, you must ensure that you avoid breaking the law and come home in one piece to your loved ones.
1. Wear And Keep Your Seat Belt On
You might be running a short errand or going on a road trip, but you must always put your seatbelt on among the car seat laws that you must remember. It applies to the driver and the passengers in your vehicle because it saves lives. Wearing seat belts properly also secures your body and keeps it from shaking or thrashing around in a car amid accidents. Most importantly, it keeps you in your seat and prevents you from being thrown out of the window by force.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) stated that more than 50% of accident fatalities resulted from non-seat belt usage. It’s also prevalent in younger drivers and passengers, wherein 70% of the victims were between 13 and 15. Even at low speed, car crashes can still happen, and those in the front seats not wearing seat belts could quickly jerk forward and hit the dashboard.
Car seat laws vary by state, but most of them include wearing seat belts for a good reason. Click here to get more details about the car seat laws in Florida, such as the exceptions, age, and height requirements.
2. Keep Your Focus On Driving
Make every second count when you’re driving, and never divert your eyes from the road. Your mobile phone may ring, or your child in the back seat might keep calling you, but don’t let them distract you. Your attention must be on everything that has to do with keeping to your lane and avoiding other incoming vehicles.
Distracted driving is among the significant causes of car crashes that have claimed lives. It’s so dangerous that there’s even an app to prevent phone owners from answering calls or texts while driving. It’s also why many countries have laws prohibiting the use of phones while driving as texting is one of the worst driving habits that people find out the hard way. When caught, drivers will be fined or given penalties. Their driving privileges could be provoked or sentenced to imprisonment in worst-case scenarios.
3. Maintain Your Car Regularly
Every time you use your car, it adds to its wear and tear and loses its value over time. Caring for your car may take time and money, but that also ensures that your vehicle is in good condition. It also allows you to detect abnormalities and prevent further damage.
However, maintenance doesn’t only mean keeping it neat. You’ll need to have your vehicle checked at the nearest mechanic shop regularly. There are a few ways to ensure that your car will run smoothly while you’re on the road:
- Never let the fuel run low or near empty
- Track the water levels at least every two weeks
- Check the battery expiration date
- Tires must be inflated and at the right temperature
Always check if the following components are working: rear and side-view mirrors, power windows, and dashboard lights
Track the levels of the following substances: engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering, washer fluid, transmission, and radiator
4. Keep Driver’s Documents In Your Car
Some drivers don’t keep their license and certification in the car compartment. But when you’re driving, it’s essential to keep them nearby. These documents are your driver’s license, insurance policy, car registration certificate, and pollution certificate. You’ll only need to reach out to them when you get pulled over by the authorities. Plus, having these documents around can give you a sense of being in control and give you confidence on the road. Don’t panic and dodge officers. It might result in a chase you would never want to be involved in.
5. Follow Speed Limits
When you see signs indicating the speed limit at a specific area, it’s best to follow it consistently. They are selected to keep drivers, pedestrians, and civilians in their homes and establishments safe. Traffic occurs on roadways, and there’ll always be buildings where people gather. Speed limits ensure that you won’t lose control of your vehicle.
Overspeeding is also a major cause of accidents. The more you drive, the higher the risk by five percent. It also costs the economy over USD $40 billion annually, wherein more than 11,000 thousand lives were lost in 2008 alone. Driving at 10mph per hour to save time can even increase the risk of getting into an accident by as much as half.
Always obey speed limits and take your time while driving. If you’re in a hurry, make it a habit to leave earlier. It’ll train you to follow a schedule and keep you safe while driving.
6. Learn Defensive Driving
Driving isn’t just a skill you should master. Adapting to safer driving behavior keeps you alive and healthy. Concentrate only on what you’re able to control on your side. Unfortunately, not everyone understands the proper manner or the road rules. Some drivers can get away with accelerating to get ahead of you. While etiquette dictates right-of-way, some drivers ignore it.
You can avoid these drivers or learn to deal with them through defensive driving. Getting proper instructions on that particular skill will help you become more patient on the road. While there could be reasons why other motorists are handling their vehicles poorly or simply beginner driver trying their skills, you can still be safe and use the skill you acquired in case something happens.
In Conclusion
From a beginner to an experienced driver, anyone must be willing to follow the road rules. They should be aware of the consequences if they refuse to do so. Every year, drivers get into car crashes, and those who are innocent lose their lives even in avoidable situations. When drivers have consideration other drivers and passengers, fatalities can be avoided. So, even while reckless drivers are out there, you can discipline yourself to drive safely and avoid punishment by the law.
