Road trips should be fun. Plan ahead, ensure the vehicle is safe for travel, and learn defensive driving techniques before hitting the road. If you take these steps, you’ll have a good chance of reaching your destination safely.
Whether you are driving alone or have passengers, certain things can be done to reduce the risk of needing a lawyer after an auto accident. The following are a few safety tips. Research more before embarking on the journey for a great time from start to finish.
Here are some tips for defensive driving techniques:
1. Be Awake and Alert
Don’t drive when sleepy. Many people don’t realize that driving while tired can be as dangerous as driving while under the influence. Longer trips increase the risk of drowsy driving, which leads to decreased reaction times.
Pull over when it becomes difficult to focus or the eyelids are heavy. If you struggle to keep your head up or daydream, it’s time to get some rest. Pull over in a safe location for a break.
2. Wear a Seatbelt
Always wear a seatbelt while traveling down the block or to the other side of the country. Seat belts reduce serious injuries by approximately 50 percent. Airbags are an additional layer of protection, but they cannot replace seatbelts. Without a seatbelt, the odds of being thrown from the car in an accident are much higher, which means the risk of death is also significantly higher. Fifty percent of those killed in car accidents in 2022 were not wearing seatbelts, which shows the importance of this safety feature and defensive driving techniques in every vehicle.
3. Pack an Emergency Kit
Things can go wrong even with careful planning. Prepare for the unexpected by purchasing or building an emergency kit. This kit should include water, blankets, a flashlight, and a first-aid kit. Throw in a spare change of clothes, jump leads, a warning triangle, and a high-visibility vest or jacket. Don’t forget tools to change a tire, and have a spare phone battery or charger in this kit. You will need a phone to call for help. Always check the spare tire before leaving to confirm it is in good shape.
4. Focus on the Road
Avoid distractions. Conversing with other people in the car is fine, but there should be no yelling or arguing. Avoid eating while driving. Take the time to sit down and have a meal, even if this meal is consumed while you sit on the hood of the car. Do not talk on the phone, and never use a handheld device. Set aside time to take breaks. Get out of the car and walk for a few minutes to stretch your body and focus on something other than the road.
5. Obey the Speed Limit
Always obey the speed limit. As the vehicle’s speed increases, the driver’s reaction time decreases. In addition, the car requires more distance to slow down or stop as the speed increases. If a driver tries to take evasive action at higher speeds, they are more likely to lose control of the vehicle and have an accident. Slow down and get to the destination safely.
Any person can drive safely. However, they may forget to do so. It could be because they are distracted, stressed, running late, or for various other reasons. Always stop and review safety rules before getting behind the wheel of a car. The time spent doing so may save your life.
