7 Best Tips For Safe Driving and Accident Prevention
A recent report by World Health Organization (WHO) states that more than 1.4 million people die every year due to car accidents. In the USA alone, 42,915 people died due to traffic and car fatalities in the year 2021. Despite all the efforts, it was an increase of more than 10% from the last year. Therefore, it is always good to refresh your driving habits and to be a safe driver. Driving is a part of daily life, whether it is commuting to your workplace or going to a destination. By knowing more about the tips for safer and smarter driving, and the other aspects of driving (including correct driving seat position), you would be able to avoid accidents and ride through your way comfortably. Read the article below to find out more about the tips for safer and smarter driving.
1. AVOID ALL KINDS OF DISTRACTIONS
Distractions including talking on a phone, choosing from the music playlist, and eating, among others, are common causes of accidents. Approximately 15% of all vehicle crashes occur due to the distraction of the drivers. Put your smartphone in the car's glove box and give all your focus and attention to the road ahead. Pulling over safely is also as important as driving safely.
2. INCUBATE THE HABIT OF CONSISTENT AND SMOOTH DRIVING
The appropriate way to drive is to drive smoothly and at consistent speeds. It is not good to keep on accelerating on every other opportunity you get. The right way to drive is to take away your foot off the vehicle gas pedal and put on the brakes after a few seconds. However, you should also try to be more careful and smoother and all other aspects of driving as well (especially when driving around the corners).
3. CHECK AND INSPECT YOUR VEHICLE/CAR REGULARLY
Your car and automobile also need servicing, maintenance, and care regularly to prevent issues and problems that may cause a sudden breakdown or a malfunction that results in an accident. For instance, it is important that the fluids of the vehicle (including the brake oil and engine oil) are regularly topped-up and the tires have the correct air pressure. Timely maintenance not only prevents accidents but also ensures that your car runs for maximum periods and years while consuming the least fuel possible. Also, when you are looking for aftermarket parts for your car and vehicle, Partsmax Auto Parts has a wide selection. We are the largest auto part warehouse and store in Florida available online as well.
4. PRACTICE CORRECT SITTING POSITION WHILE DRIVING
Your car should have adequate space for you and should suit your physical aspects (for instance height). For practicing the correct seating posture, you should follow the steps given below:
- Lower the car seat to the lowest extent possible the driving seat of the car back.
- Now adjust the seat reclined to somewhere between 30 to 40 degrees. If the car has a moving and adjustable steering wheel, you should push it towards the car dashboard and all the way up.
- You must increase the height of the car seat until your knees and hips are at the same height.
- Ensure that you can see the ground/road ahead and the car instruments. Do not increase the height of the seat excessively so that you have to bend sideways or downwards.
- Next, you must move the car seat forward so that you can depress and use the foot pedals while ensuring that your back does not move away from the car seat's back.
5. AVOID DRIVING WHEN YOU ARE TIRED
There are laws against driving under the influence of alcohol and intoxicants. However, you should also avoid driving your vehicle when you are exhausted. It is easy for you to feel drowsy when you are tired. Driving in such a mental and physical state may result in an accident. Also, if you are undertaking a long journey, take a break after at least 2 hours or whenever you find that you are feeling sleepy.
6. CARING ABOUT OTHERS
While driving, you can also be mindful and care about others. Whether it is a stray animal or a minor on the road, or the road is flooded suddenly, you can always report the issue. If all people can practice such a caring attitude, many of the accidents on the roads can be prevented.
7. LOOK TOWARDS THE RIGHT AS WELL
It is a habit of people to look only in the left direction when they are making a right-hand corner and turn. However, if you are on a 2-lane road and turning towards the right, you should also have a look at the right section of the road to ensure that the lane is not being used by another car to pass forward.
CONCLUSION
Practicing mindfulness and cultivating the right habits can help you stay attentive and focused on the road and prevent accidents. It is also important to check and maintain your vehicle regularly for its long life and accident prevention.