It goes without saying that traffic safety is of utmost importance. After all, the consequences of not being safe on the road can be dire. Unfortunately, accidents happen all too often, and they can be caused by a number of factors. So even if you are a careful driver, it is important to be aware of the potential road dangers and do everything you can to avoid them
In this blog post, we will be discussing some important tips and tricks to help keep you safe while driving at all times. So whether you are a new driver or have a few years of experience under your belt, be sure to read on!
Never Drive Intoxicated
This one should also go without saying, but we’ll say it anyway: never drink and drive. If you have been drinking, be sure to take a taxi, Uber, or Lyft home. Or better yet, hand your keys over to a sober friend or family member.
It is not worth the risk of getting behind the wheel when you are not in the right state of mind. And if you see someone else who appears to be intoxicated and about to drive, do not hesitate to intervene and stop them from making a deadly mistake.
Depending on the state you live in, you may be legally intoxicated if your blood alcohol content (BAC) is .08% or higher. In the state of Nevada however, this limit is even lower in some specific cases. If you are younger than 21 years old, the legal limit is .02%. And if you are driving a commercial vehicle, the limit is .04%.
This means that even after a pint of beer or a glass of wine, you may be over the legal limit in Las Vegas. And if you get in a car accident, even if you weren’t at fault, an automobile accident lawyer in Las Vegas will likely do everything in their power to hold you liable. And they will probably be successful.
Always Buckle Up
It is no secret that seatbelts save lives. In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), wearing a seatbelt reduces the risk of fatal injury by 45 percent. That’s an incredible statistic, and it is one that every driver should take to heart. Not to mention, in many states, it is now the law to wear a seatbelt while driving.
Even if you are only going for a short drive, or parking in a well-lit and safe area, it is always best to have your seat on as long as you are in the vehicle. You never know when you might get into a minor fender bender or have to make a quick stop.
In those situations, being strapped in can mean the difference between walking away with a few bruises or sustaining serious injuries. And if you have passengers in your vehicle, be sure to remind them to buckle their seatbelts as well. This is particularly important if you have young children in the car, as they may not think to do it themselves.
Understand The Local Laws & Drive Accordingly
When you are driving in a new area, it is always best to take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the local traffic laws. This way, you can avoid getting a ticket and drive safely at the same time. In addition, even if you are driving in your own city or town, it is still a good idea to brush up on the traffic laws from time to time.
After all, they do change from time to time, and you don’t want to accidentally break one because you weren’t aware of the update.
Generally speaking, you should always err on the side of caution when driving. This means obeying the speed limit, coming to a complete stop at all stop signs and red lights, and using your turn signals when changing lanes or making a turn.
Additionally, it is important to yield to pedestrians, even if they are not crossing at a designated crosswalk. Remember, they have the right of way, and you should always do your best to avoid hitting them.
Obey the Speed Limit
We know, we know. Speeding is tempting, especially when you are running late or in a hurry to get somewhere. But trust us, speeding is never worth it. Not only is it illegal, but it also significantly increases your chances of getting into an accident.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), speeding was a factor in nearly one-third of fatal car crashes in the United States in 2021. That’s roughly 10,000 deaths that could have been prevented if drivers had just obeyed the posted speed limit. And speeding is not just about going a few miles over the limit.
The IIHS reports that “driving 15 mph over the speed limit increases crash risk by 1.4 times, and driving 30 mph over the limit multiplies crash risk by 4.5 times.” So even if you think you can get away with going 5 or 10 mph over the limit, it is simply not worth the risk. Therefore, if you find yourself exceeding the posted speed limit, take a deep breath and slow down. After all, it is better to arrive late than not at all.
Put Down That Phone
This one should be a no-brainer, but sadly, distracted driving is becoming more and more common. And yes, that includes using your cell phone while behind the wheel. And while most people know that this is dangerous, they continue to do it anyway. Some will say that they can multi-task or that they only use their phone for a quick second. But the truth is, even a momentary distraction can be deadly.
Texting, browsing the internet, checking social media, and even talking on the phone are all forms of distracted driving even if you are using hands-free technology. If you must use your phone while driving, be sure to pull over to a safe location first. Or better yet, wait until you have reached your destination. Your text or phone call can wait, but the safety of yourself and others should always come first.
Drive Defensively
In addition to following the above tips, it is also important to always drive defensively. This means being aware of your surroundings at all times and being prepared for the worst. For example, if you see a car swerving in and out of its lane, do not assume that it will correct itself. Instead, give yourself enough space in case they do happen to drift into your lane.
It is also important to be aware of road conditions and weather conditions. If it has been raining or snowing, be sure to allow yourself extra time to reach your destination. And always remember to leave plenty of space between you and the car in front of you. This will give you time to brake if necessary and help avoid any rear-end collisions.
While there is no foolproof way to prevent an accident from happening, following the above tips can help reduce your risk. And remember, even if you are the safest driver in the world, you cannot control the actions of others.
Therefore, it is always important to be prepared and drive defensively. If you or someone you know has been injured in an accident, be sure to contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible and have peace of mind knowing your rights will be protected.
