Car safety is a hugely important thing as so many of us use the roads every day whilst traveling to work, school, or even just visiting the store. Many of us take our safety for granted once we set foot inside our motor vehicle, but it is important to take it seriously. Sadly, there were over 14,000 auto accidents in the state of Texas in 2017 that led to serious injury or death of either the driver, passengers, or pedestrians. In light of this, we have written you this short article on important factors that contribute to your safety while driving. Keep these in mind and keep yourself safe whilst on the roads.

Distractions

One of the most common contributors to road accidents is driver distraction. According to Joe, a Houston Texas car accident lawyer, “So many of the accidents we deal with are caused by simple distractions. It seems all too easy for people to lose concentration whilst driving and end up causing very serious accidents.” So, what does Joe mean by distractions? Well, in 2020 the most common cause of distracted driving incidents was the mobile phone. 26% of all accidents included the use of a mobile phone, according to The National Safety Council. It is far more important to concentrate on the road ahead of you than it is to read a text or answer a phone call. Other common distractions include changing the radio, talking to passengers, or looking at landmarks or wildlife beside the road. Keep your eyes on the road and keep your mind tuned in to driving.

Important Factors That Contribute To Your Safety While Driving

Car Safety Features

Your car is likely full of features designed to keep you safe whilst driving, or in the unfortunate event of an accident. The most common thing people forget – or choose to ignore – is the seatbelt. Seatbelts save lives and can stop a small accident from becoming something far more serious for you physically. It is a no-brainer to wear your seatbelts at all times – yes, even just for a two-minute drive to the store! There are other features, too, such as airbags. If your airbag light is lit on your dash, it’s time to head straight to a mechanic and check that they are fixed. Again, without one, a small scrape could end in a serious injury. 

Alcohol

It goes without saying that driving under the influence of alcohol – or any intoxicant for that matter – is the opposite of safe driving! At no circumstances should anyone drive under the influence of alcohol. We all know you may get a ticket if you are pulled over for it, but you could also cause yourself or someone else serious harm. In fact, a little over 10,000 people were killed on American roads due to alcohol-impaired drivers in 2019. That’s no small number. It is also worth noting that you need to be aware of other drivers who may be driving erratically, as they could be driving under the influence. In this case, it is best to drop back or overtake when safe to do so. 

Speed Limits

Here’s something that many people simply don’t seem to understand. Speed limits are in place for a reason, and it’s not just to control you. They are scientifically calculated to be the right speed to create the least possible risk on that stretch of road. Inner-city roads are rapidly reducing from 30 or 40 to 20 due to the fact that both drivers and pedestrians are far safer in accidents that occur at these lower speeds. Speed limits are designed to keep you and those around you safe, so stick to them!

Car Maintenance

It is also important to ensure your car maintenance is up to scratch before venturing out on the road. Many of us forget to check our tires, for example, before heading out on a long drive. Tire tread wears down over time, and it can be easy to forget to check the status of it before you travel but a low level of tread can lead to poor stopping distances and more accidents. It is also vital to regularly check your oil, wipers and wiper fluid, and brakes at the start of journeys. 

 

All of these factors, whether mechanical or personal, add up to helping keep yourself as safe as possible on the roads. Of course, we can’t predict the future, and sometimes accidents happen. But, by at least attempting to keep yourself as safe as possible you are lowering the risk of being seriously harmed on the roads.