Auto accidents can be catastrophic, causing injury or death that changes your life forever. In Pennsylvania alone, more than one thousand car crashes every year result in a fatality.
Staying safe while driving should be everyone’s priority. These four safety tips can potentially save you and your family from the heartbreak of a devastating accident.
Eliminate or ignore distractions
Distracted driving is a leading cause of accidents in America. Turning off your cell phone and focusing on the road is critical for safe driving safely. Consider these practices:
- Maintain 100% attention on the road at all times, with absolutely no multi-tasking
- Don’t use a cell phone or any other electronic device
- Slow down to increase reaction time and decrease the severity of an accident
Always wear a safety belt
According to the CDC, wearing seat belts reduces the risk of death by 45% and serious injury by 50% for both drivers and front-seat passengers. Seat belts also prevent ejection from the vehicle during a crash; more than 75% of people ejected during a crash die from their injuries.
Always wear your seat belt and insist that your passengers do as well.
Train for poor weather
Poor weather requires special driving techniques and practicing them before you are in a dangerous situation can give you the skills and confidence you need to avoid accidents.
Good driving practices in inclement weather include:
- Slowing down
- Avoiding tailgating
- Pulling over if conditions become treacherous
Taking these tips seriously and employing them as you drive can help you avoid an accident that could change your life forever.