Unfortunately, no matter how skilled of a driver you are (or believe yourself to be), there is always a chance that you can get into a collision anytime when you are out on the road driving.
Accidents happen around the world every single minute, and in order to protect yourself from expensive vehicle damage and injuries, safe driving should be a key concern for every road user.
It is always a good idea to reflect on the fundamentals of traffic safety from time to time to ensure that you are actually being careful enough to keep yourself, pedestrians, and other road users protected.
Many of us pass our driving tests and then slowly start to develop bad driving habits which can be potentially dangerous.
Here are our expert tips on how to be extremely safe on the road while you are out driving.
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1. Avoid Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is the most common cause of road accidents, and as a driver, you have to always keep an eye on what is happening on the road.
The legal accident experts at this website explain that you cannot rely on or expect your fellow drivers to all follow the rules and keep everybody involved protected, so stay alert and make sure that you always have an escape option when you get into a potentially dangerous situation.
If you are involved in an accident due to someone else’s carelessness then make sure to contact a lawyer.
For your own part, you will be able to think much more clearly when you do not have the music or radio going full blast in your ear or a phone call going on, so try to eliminate as many distractions as possible.
Never text or smoke when driving to ensure the safety of everyone on the road.
2. Follow the Road Signs
Road signs are there on the road to ensure everyone drives safely and that all the traffic stays organized, and just as you have to follow the speed limits and be aware of the vehicles in front of and around you, close attention also needs to be paid to the road signs and local traffic rules in the area.
Keeping a close eye on the road signs will keep you informed of any sudden, sharp curves, uneven surfaces, construction hazards, and other road irregularities that might be on your route.
This will ensure you take the proper precaution and stay in control when driving on difficult roads.
It is surprising how many people don’t know what some road signs mean so make sure you are brushed up on your road sign knowledge in order to drive safely.
3. Wear your Seatbelt at all Times
Seatbelts are often underappreciated but they are the single most effective safety feature in a car.
You shouldn’t just wear a seatbelt because it will save your life, it is also necessary by law in most countries around the world.
The force and sudden movement of a collision, even a relatively minor one, can lead to significant injuries if you slam up against the steering wheel, and in the worst cases, you can even be thrown straight through the windscreen.
Make sure to put the seatbelt on every time you get in the car and also insist that all passengers do the same.
Seat belts reduce the chances of fatality in a vehicle accident by 45% and you are 50% less likely to be seriously injured in a crash when wearing one.
Make sure that the importance of a seatbelt is always stressed to your children, even if you are only going on a short journey.
4. Know the Blind Spots in Your Vehicle
Great visibility is key in preventing road accidents, and with each type of vehicle, there will be a few different blind spots that you need to be aware of.
In a car, the area behind the pillars and the back are often blind spots so be mindful when you are looking to merge into a lane that there is nothing hidden there.
When changing lanes and backing out of the parking lot, use the rear-view mirror and side mirrors to watch out for approaching traffic from these directions.
In addition, be aware of the blind spots of other vehicles on the road, and always try to maintain a reasonable amount of distance between your vehicle and others and avoid tailgating at all costs.
5. Make Sure Your Vehicle is Fit for Purpose
Even if you follow all of the necessary safety procedures detailed above, if your vehicle has any technical issues, it could be dangerous.
It is really important that you have your car serviced at least once a year, particularly if it is an older vehicle.
If there are any mechanical issues or any other kind of problem which you become aware of, it is really important that you have them looked at as soon as possible.
Even a minor fault could easily escalate into a bigger problem which could be potentially fatal.
For example, if your tires are starting to wear, you may not have sufficient grip on the road which could cause you to lose control and swerve into other vehicles.
Similarly, if there is a problem with your brakes, it can result in you being able to stop your vehicle effectively leading you to crash.
Being safe on the road is something that every driver should keep in mind at all times. It is your responsibility first and foremost to keep yourself, your passengers, and all other road users safe.
By following these tips, you will be able to greatly reduce your chance of getting in an accident and avoid potential injuries and vehicle damage.
Unfortunate circumstances can still happen unexpectedly even if you do everything correctly, so in order to keep yourself protected, you have to know what to do in these situations.
If you have the bad luck of being involved in a road accident, get in touch with an experienced attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights and get the compensation you deserve.