Expert Tips to Avoid Road Accidents - AllCarIndex
Did you know that 3,700 people lose their lives to road accidents each day? Every year, around 20 to 50 million people across the globe suffer from non-fatal injuries caused by road accidents. These statistics go to show that, unfortunately, road accidents are still very common in this day and age. As soon as you hit the streets, you are immediately at risk. Distracted driving, poor road management, and unenforced traffic laws are just some of the many reasons why road accidents happen. If you want to ensure your safety, check our post below to learn more about how you can reduce the risk of being involved in a road accident.
Don't Text While Driving
One of the leading factors of road crashes is distracted driving caused by mobile phones. The World Health Organization has reported that drivers who are on their mobile phones while driving are four times more likely to be involved in a car crash than those who don't use their phones. When you are looking at your phone, you lose focus and fail to stay in the correct lane, maintain ample distances from other vehicles, and slow down your reaction time when you have to use the breaks or turn signals. To avoid getting distracted by your mobile phone, consider using hand-free accessories for your phone.
Keep Your Car and Environment in Check
Apparently, not all road accidents involve other vehicles. It has also been noted that faulty repairs done by your mechanic or defective auto parts can also be the causes of a car crash. That's why if you get involved in a single-car crash, especially in a big city like Houston, where road accidents are quite common, seeking the help of a car accident lawyer is strongly recommended. A specialized lawyer will help you determine the reason behind the accident and hold the responsible party accountable. Apart from defective repairs and car parts, poorly designed or maintained roads are also contributing factors. For that reason, it is best to keep your car in check and report any unsafe roads to your local authorities.
Always Wear a Seatbelt and Use Car Seats for Children
Wearing a seatbelt might be an obvious tip, but it is not something you should take lightly. Research shows that wearing a seatbelt reduces the risk of death in car crashes among front-seat occupants and drivers by around 45-50%. For rear-seat occupants, wearing a seatbelt lowers the risk of death and other injuries by around 25%. If you are traveling with young children, using car seats is definitely a must, considering that children are more vulnerable than adults. In this case, the mere use of appropriate child restraints will reduce the risk of death by around 60%. These are simple tasks, but if you want to ensure your and your family's safety while on the road, seat belts and car seats are a must.
Don't Drive Under the Influence
The use of drugs and alcohol is another leading cause of vehicular accidents. When you are under the influence of psychoactive substances or alcohol, your motor skills are impaired, which often leads to deaths or serious injuries. Experts have found that accident risks tend to increase significantly when your blood alcohol concentration is 0.04 g/dl or more. The risk of serious injuries or deaths in drugged driving, on the other hand, varies depending on the type of substance used. In general, it is best to avoid driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol to remain safe on the road.
Drive Within the Speed Limit
Speeding is another cause of vehicular accidents. Exceeding the speed limit often leads to severe injuries and sometimes even death. It has been found that even a slight increase in your speed can directly increase the risk of fatalities and injuries. This is particularly more dangerous if a pedestrian is hit by a car, as speeding can strongly increase their death risk.
Follow Traffic Laws
By simply following traffic laws and rules on the road, you will be able to effectively avoid getting involved in road accidents. Aside from avoiding the possibility of paying for a ticket, following these rules ensures your safety. Just like the speed limit, traffic laws and regulations are designed to keep you safe.
Road accidents may be common, but they can be easily prevented. These accidents are often caused by human error, so simply following basic rules and guidelines can effectively protect you from getting involved in an accident. Remember, road safety is also your responsibility.