Driving Safety Tips
Across the United States as many as 6 million automobile accidents happen every year, costing over 30,000 lives and 3 million injuries. The key to avoiding auto accidents and the potentially devastating legal and financial problems that come with them is to obey a few simple driving safety tips.
- Never drive while under the influence of any drug. Most people know not to drive while drunk, but certain prescription medication can impair your ability to drive safely as well. If you find that a certain drug causes you to become sleepy, don't drive while under its effects.
- Don't drive when you are sleepy. If you are feeling drowsy then pull over and find a place to rest for a while. Put on music or keep your eyes moving to avoid road hypnosis.
- Avoid using your cell phone while driving. Texting or holding a cell phone while talking will distract you and impair your ability to react to a threat on the road. If you must use your cell phone, use a hands-free headset to talk.
- Don't jump at a green light. Racing off a green light burns excess gasoline and it leaves you vulnerable to being broadsided by someone who runs the red light.
- Obey the speed limit. The faster you drive the more likely you are to lose control if you have to turn or swerve, especially in wet or icy weather.
- Keep your distance from vehicles in front of you. Give yourself at least 2 seconds to slow down in case the vehicle in front of you slams on their brakes.
- Watch for cars in your blind spots when changing lanes.