There’s no doubt that driving is a dangerous activity. In the United States, there are over 3 million car accidents each year. Of those accidents, around 40,000 result in fatalities. Although cars are getting smarter and safer, human error is still the number one cause of car accidents. While many of these accidents are unavoidable, there are steps you can take to stay safe on the road and minimize your chances of being involved in an accident. Here are four tips for staying safe while driving.
Stay Off Your Phone!
One leading cause of car accidents is distracted driving. One study showed that drivers who use their cell phones (even hands-free) take their eyes off the road for about four seconds. Or the amount of time it takes to drive an entire length of a football field. So if you can, avoid using your phone entirely while driving; make sure to limit distractions by keeping your phone away from you or leaving it at home.
Make Sure You’re Getting Enough Sleep
When you’re sleep-deprived, your reaction time is the same as if you were drunk. Driving when you are tired can result in serious car accidents that could have been entirely avoidable. So make sure you are getting plenty of rest before getting behind the wheel. Most adults need seven to eight hours of sleep per night, but many people don’t meet their recommended amount of rest each night. If you aren’t getting enough rest, take steps to make sure it doesn’t impact your daily life- like setting the alarm for when it’s time for bed or trying relaxation exercises!
Go The Speed Limit
Driving under the speed limit for the conditions you are driving in is not only illegal but can actually be quite dangerous. However, as most of us know, driving over the speed limit is far more likely to result in a car accident. To avoid these dangers, you should always go with the recommended speeds posted on road signs and try to move at a pace where you feel comfortable. Doing so will help make sure that your vehicle responds if needed while also allowing yourself time to slow down before needing to stop.
