We hear about them every day, some more serious than others. But automobile wrecks are running rampant, and with summer approaching, car driving will be on the rise. Everyone is taking off for their summer vacations!
You put on your seat belt and buckle yourself in. You check your mirrors. You pay attention to the other drivers. What more can you do to be safe while you drive?
One of the first things you can do is PAY ATTENTION TO THE ROAD.
That means limiting distractions of all kinds, especially your cell phone. Most vehicles nowadays have Sync and Siri to help with your phone calls, but even then, you can still become distracted. Try to limit all calls, or, if you do get a call, safely pull over to the side of the road to take it.
Think that text is so important that you must answer it right away? Just look at some statistics.
- At any given moment, 660,000 drivers are using a cell phones while operating a vehicle.
- You are 20 times more likely to crash while texting and driving than you are by not using a cell phone.
- Texting while driving has the same effect on your driving reaction time as if you had consumed 4 beers in a single hour. (driversafeonline.com)
- Texting distracts you long enough to travel the length of an entire football field with eyes off the road driving at 55 mph. (driversafeonline.com)
Our summary: JUST PUT THE PHONE DOWN!
Want to know how can you avoid rear-end collisions?
- Keep your distance! Drive far enough behind the car in front of you so can stop safely. Stay at least three seconds behind the vehicle ahead of you, so you can stop safely. Extend the timing if you have bad road conditions (rain, snow)
- Drive strategically- Avoid situations that could force you to suddenly use your brakes. If a driver is following too closely or isn’t paying attention, you may be rear-ended.
- AGAIN, don’t get distracted. Never take your eyes off the road to eat, read a text, or find your phone, If the driver ahead of you stops suddenly, it only takes a second to rear-end their vehicle.
- Never drive while drowsy or under the influence!
Use caution at intersections! Intersections are another place where accidents frequently occur. Distracted drivers may miss traffic signals changing from green to yellow to red. Or they don’t notice vehicles pausing before making turns!
Practice defensive driving to help avoid accidents. Take a moment after the light turns green to make sure no one is coming through the intersection. Look out for drivers speeding to make it through a yellow light on a cross street. When you’re approaching a yellow light, be cautious rather than take chances.
Single-vehicle Accidents
Single-vehicle losses include collisions with road barriers, debris, or animals, in addition to rollovers and accidents when driving off-road. It’s not hard to help prevent them.
Drive right for the weather. Even if yours is the only vehicle on the road on a rainy, snowy, or icy day, drive at speeds that allow you to maintain control.
Also, avoid hydroplaning on a flooded or very wet road by slowing down and never use your cruise control in these weather conditions.
Always pay attention and always check your mirrors! Even if you are the only person on the road, it doesn’t mean you can text make phone calls or eat. You never know when the conditions can change.
Don’t drive too fast. Speeding has been involved in approximately 1/3rd of all motor vehicle fatalities for more than two decades. Speeding is dangerous even if no one else is around you!
In addition to all this, please check your car’s insurance policy to make sure you are properly covered. At Citywide Insurance, we would be more than happy to look at your current policy and offer straightforward, honest advice to you to make sure you are properly covered! NO OBLIGATION free quotes! Reach out today online or call us!
Here’s to safe summer driving!
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