Driving a car has gotten safer every decade since their invention. However, automobile accidents are still the leading cause of death for people between the ages of 5 and 34 in this country. The best way to reduce the risk of being involved in an accident, and avoid injury or death, is to practice safe driving habits. Whether you're just learning to drive or you've been behind the wheel for decades, it's a good idea to review some basic rules for safe driving.
Here's 10 Tips for Arriving Alive:
10. Don't Drive Drunk: More than 30% of all auto accident fatalities involved drivers impaired by alcohol. If you've been drinking, ask a sober friend for ride or call a cab. If you're planning to drink, make sure you have a designated driver.
9. Don't Speed: Research has shown that for every mile per hour you drive, the likelihood of your being in an accident increases by four to five percent. Driving 10 mph faster only saves you a few minutes - but increases your crash risk by as much as 50%!
8. Avoid Distractions: It isn't just cell phones that cause distractions! Eating, applying makeup, using electronic devices, and even talking with passengers diverts the driver's attention in potentially deadly ways. If you need to do those things, pull over.
7. Don't Drive Drowsy: Just being a little drowsy is enough to increase your risk of getting in an accident. If this happens to you, have a friend take over behind the wheel, find a rest area where you catch a few hours of sleep or take break until you feel more alert.
6. Wear Your Seat Belt: More than half of all accident fatalities were people who weren't using seat belts. This past legislative session, a primary seat belt law was passed meaning that you can be pulled over and cited for not buckling up.
5. Be Extra Careful in Bad Weather: Drive below the speed limit if necessary, maintain extra space between you and the car ahead, and be especially careful around curves.
4. Don't Follow Too Closely: Drivers need enough time to react if the car in front of your makes a sudden turn or stop. Follow the "three-second rule." Find a stationary object on the side of the road. When the car ahead of you passes it, start counting seconds. At least three seconds should pass before your car passes the same object.
3. Watch Out for the Other Guy: Sometimes it doesn't matter for safely you drive. The problem is the other drivers! Be prepared for lane changes, sudden stops, unsignaled turns, swerving, tailgating, and every other bad driving behavior.
2. Practice Defensive Driving: Maintain a safe distance and don't speed. Accept small delays, such as staying in line behind a slower car instead of abruptly changing lanes. Yield to other cars, even if you technically have the right of way.
1. Keep Your Vehicle Safe: One of the most common maintenance problems that can lead to a crash is improper tire pressure. Another key area is the car's brakes, get them checked out by a professional mechanic.
How do you Stay Safe While Driving?
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What is Your Unsafe Driving Behavior Pet Peeve?
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