Drive Safely With These Important Tips
Did you know every 18 seconds someone is involved in an automobile accident and every 11 minutes someone dies in a fatal crash?
According to the Fatality Analysis Reporting System Encyclopedia, there were 34,017 fatal accidents throughout the country in 2008. And, in 2007, over six million police-reported vehicle crashes occurred in the United States. Nearly 30 percent of those accidents two years ago (a total of 1.71 million) resulted in injury and less than one percent (thats 37,435) resulted in fatality. Plus, half of all fatal crashes in 2007 occurred on roads posted with speed limits of 55 mph or more, as compared with 23 percent on injury and property-damage-only crashes.
While the number of fatal car crashes went down by 3,418 since 2007, those are still staggering statistics. Unfortunately, the road can throw you a curve ball when you least expect it. Erratic drivers or poor weather conditions can pose serious dangers. But you can avoid becoming one of 2009s fatality figures if you follow these street-smart tips for driving safely.
Remain Cautious at Intersections
Intersections are a danger zone and can be unsafe due to numerous distractions, like aloof pedestrians, turning cars and drivers flying through red lights. Stay alert and yield to intersection signs and laws. .
Green Doesnt Always Mean Go
Lets face it, its extremely common for drivers to run red lights, or drive through a stop sign without completely stopping. So that means even if you have the green light, driving forward could be dangerous. .
If you have the green light and right of way, its still wise to yield and double check before moving through an intersection. Always look both ways and drive defensively. Dont expect other drivers to follow traffic laws. .
Keep Your Eyes on the Road
While in most states using a cell phone without a headset is illegal, its not uncommon to see distracted drivers dialing or texting while behind the wheel. Its best to keep conversations to a minimum when youre driving, but if you do need to use the phone, its best to use a hands free device. There is a wide array of products that can make it safer and more convenient to use your phone on the road.
Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and avoid performing other actions that may sidetrack you, like reading a map, putting on makeup and changing clothing. Remember, another preoccupied driver could be close.
You should always drive cautiously, keep your eyes on the road, and if there is an unruly driver near you, like a tailgater or swerver, let them pass you. When passing another car, get past the drivers blind spot as safely and swiftly as possible. Also be alert of nearby parked cars because someone could either pull out in front of you or open a car door.
Dont Drive While Drowsy
If youre sleep-deprived, pull off to the side of the road and take that much-needed power nap rolling the window down, getting your java fix or turning up the volume of the radio are only temporary solutions. Pay attention to what your body is telling you. Consistent yawning, drooping eyelids, blurry vision, nodding off, and drifting between lanes are clear warnings that youre on the brink of falling asleep. On long trips, stop and stretch every two hours or every 100 miles, and drive with someone else around when you can.
Your body will always need sleep, so depriving it of such an important need can be very dangerous. Always stay awake, sober and aware of your surroundings and road conditions when driving. Sleeping at the wheel not only can result in an accident, but can result in a fatality.
Beware of Deer and Other Animals
Deer are unpredictable creatures, especially when in front of blowing horns, speeding cars and obtrusive headlights. The highest-risk periods for deer crossings are from sunset to midnight, as well as the hours shortly before and after sunrise. If driving at night, use high-beam headlights when theres no opposing traffic. The beams will illuminate deer eyes, making them easier to spot.
Deer sometimes cross quickly and come back, stop in the middle of the road or panic and move toward an oncoming vehicle. Either way, dont rely solely on deer fences, whistles or reflectors to discourage them. If faced with a deer, blow your horn to urge the animal to leave the road. If they wont move, brake firmly and stop completely, put on your hazards and wait until they leave the area. Stay in your lane and dont try and go around the deer.
We drive so often that its easy to forget just how dangerous it can be. But by following these simple safety tips and using your best judgment, you can avoid serious accidents. Remember to stay vigilant and alert every time youre behind the wheel.
by: Ann12
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