Driving Safety Tips Everyone Needs to Be Reminded of

More people than ever are taking to the roads to travel, which means, it is more important than ever to practice road safety.

Each and every day in the United States there are around 16,438 automobile accidents.

Unfortunately, many of those accidents can be chalked up to driver error.

Keeping some of these safety tips in mind as you travel along the highways and freeways in the US can help keep you safe and keep other drivers safe on the road.

Important Statistics About Travel By Car

About 76% of Americans travel by car daily to work according to the Brookings Institute. That is about 115 million drivers on the road each day.

About 83% of families depend on their car for leisure travel.

Why is this information important? It gives you the scope of the number of people on the roads.

Studies indicate that the more people on the road the more likely you are to have an accident.

Safe driving has to be a priority for everyone to reduce the number of fatalities, property damage, and injuries caused by motor vehicle accidents.

Let’s All Slow Down

Speed limits are in place for a reason. According to the Department of Transportation, about 8,544 accidents that involve serious or fatal injuries are attributed to excessive speed.

Another study has shown that the higher the speed limit on a highway, the more accidents there are.

Even going seven miles over the posted speed limit, according to the Highway Safety Council, increases your odds by 32% that you will be involved in an accident.

Slow down and stay within the speed limit to improve your safety record.

Stay Back a Car Length or Two

Tailgating is a big problem on America’s roadways. About one-third of cars involved in auto accidents sustain damage because of bumper override or bumper underride.

These types of accidents (rear-end accidents) have significantly higher claim amounts for damage.

How can you avoid this type of accident? Stay back from the driver in front of you by at least a car length. Two car lengths are better.

Distracted Driving Problems

About nine people a day are killed in automobile accidents that are attributed to distracted driving.

Distracted driving simply put is not paying attention to the road while you are driving.

A study by the Insurance Institute of America found that taking your eyes off the road for three seconds is enough time to cause a crash.

About 2.5 million car accidents are attributed to distracted driving. It is a huge problem.

Most drivers are aware that texting, while you are driving, is a no-no because of the public service campaigns about texting and driving, but that is not the only distraction that can take your eyes off the road.

Eating, putting on makeup, even listening to loud music can take your attention off driving. About 70% of automotive speakers are designed for passenger cars.

We all love to turn up the tunes as we are driving along, but going too loud can prevent you from hearing what is coming your way.

Keep your eyes and ears on the road and keep your hands on the steering wheel.

Use Good Judgement

There are times when the rules of the road do not necessarily apply to the situation.

When it is raining or snowing, the posted speed limit may not be the best speed limit.

Use good judgment when you are driving to adjust your driving to the specific conditions. Give yourself enough time to stop.

Pay attention to any debris that may be on the road. Keep your vehicles in good working condition, including having proper tires.

Driving safely is not the only way you can ensure you are doing your part.

Cars that are broken down on the side of the road can be a hazard to other drivers, not to mention the danger it puts you in.

We can all travel safer on the roads if everyone does their part to stay safe and keep other drivers safe.

Road trips can be fun but can bring the mood down if you are in an accident.

Keep these tips in mind to get to your destination safely!