Summer is a time for road trips and vacations, but it’s also a time for increased traffic and accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were more than 37,000 fatalities resulting from motor vehicle accidents in 2016. That’s why it’s important to be aware of safety tips while on the road. In this article, we will discuss six ways to help keep yourself and others safe while driving from the view of a Tampa car accident attorney.
Always Wear Your Seat Belt
This one may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s still worth mentioning. Wearing your seat belt is the most important thing you can do to stay safe while driving. Even if you’re only going on a short drive, always buckle up. Every person in the car should be wearing a seat belt. If there is an accident, a seat belt could save your life.
Avoid Distractions
Distractions while driving can be extremely dangerous and lead to accidents. Some of the most common distractions include talking, texting, eating, and fiddling with the radio. If you need to call or send a text, pull over to a safe spot first. It’s also a good idea to avoid eating and drinking while driving. Keep your focus on the road and stay safe.
Keep Your Car in Good Condition
It’s important to keep your car in good condition so that it’s less likely for something bad to happen while you’re driving. Make sure that you have your tires rotated and the oil changed regularly. If something is wrong with your car, take it in to get checked out as soon as possible. For example, if there’s a problem with the brakes or steering wheel, don’t wait until they’re completely broken before getting them fixed; this could lead to an accident on the road.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings
While driving, make sure you’re aware of what’s going on around you so that you can react quickly when necessary. Avoid speeding because it gives less time for a response from other drivers or pedestrians crossing intersections or during rush hour traffic times like morning commutes and after work hours (evening). Be mindful when merging into traffic lanes too.
Be Especially Careful in Bad Weather Conditions
Bad weather can be extremely dangerous on the road. In inclement weather, drivers should take extra precautions by driving slower and leaving more space between cars. If you’re not comfortable driving in bad weather, it’s best to pull over and wait until it clears up. If it’s hard to see, turn on your headlights so that other drivers can see you better.
If You’re Involved in a Car Accident, Stay Calm
This one is probably the hardest thing to do, but it’s crucial. If you’re involved in a car accident, stay calm and don’t panic. This will help keep the situation under control until emergency responders arrive. If there are injuries, try to provide first aid if you know-how and can do so safely. And finally, always remember to contact a Tampa car accident attorney after a crash can be found in many places.
There are many things to remember while driving, but these tips can help make your drive safer and less stressful. Remember always to wear your seat belt no matter how short the drive is, avoid distractions like talking on the phone or texting while driving, keep your car in good condition by checking the tires and brakes regularly, be aware of other drivers on the road when you’re driving during bad weather conditions or if there’s an emergency vehicle nearby. If you ever get into a car accident that doesn’t involve injuries (car accidents involving injuries should always call 911), stay calm, don’t panic, and contact a Tampa car accident attorney. Ensuring everyone knows what happened will go a long way towards avoiding further injury. The more we know about safe practices for our drives, the less likely we will be in an accident.