Nowadays, the practicality that cars and automobiles provide is indeed insurmountable. With the growing popularity of phone apps and easy navigation systems, traveling is easier than ever. If you’re not driving, walking and cycling is a great alternative, as well.
Regardless of what mode of transportation you prefer for travel, it’s obligatory to take extra precautions while on the road, especially if you’re living in a state with a high road and automobile accidents rate like Florida. Brais Law – Injury Lawyers have been constantly dealing with injury cases for years due to car accidents and they know how hard it can be for the clients. So here are some tips to ensure your safe travels from point A to point B.
1. Don’t Drive When You’re Drunk, Don’t Drink When You Drive
The golden rule of all rules: “Do not drive when you are under the influence of alcohol.” The words are very easy to comprehend yet many people fail to follow it. It only goes to show that most drivers don’t discipline themselves that well.
Clearing your head and bloodstream from alcohol toxins is one of the most straightforward ways to be safe on the road. If drinking is inevitable, appoint someone who will drive and take you home.
2. Look Both Ways
Whether you’re behind the wheel or on foot, it’s a responsible practice to keep vigilant for pedestrians or cars. As much as it is important to keep your focus on the road, it pays to be attentive on both sides too.
Your attentiveness can be a lifeline between a near-miss scenario and a complete wreck.
3. Be Well-Rested to Avoid Driving Fatigue
The rule of thumb is not to drive when you are physically exhausted. Various types of driving impairment may lead to accidents. According to Brais Law – Injury Lawyers , It is advisable to prepare yourself beforehand. Take enough rest before hitting the road to prevent being in danger.
4. Slow Down
Speeding tops the list of the most common causes of fatal collisions on the road. You’re not in a race, public roads and highways are not the places where you can practice arrogance.
Avoid following too closely, provide at least a two-second gap in case that car ahead of you slams their brakes.
5. Keep Your Distance
In all honesty, it’s all about common sense. Tailgating is only good when it takes place in a stadium, not on highways. Keep a safety distance to the preceding vehicles.
Avoid following too closely, provide at least a two-second gap in case the vehicle ahead of you slam their brakes.
6. Don’t Run ‘Empty.’
Running out of gas is a common problem. To avoid the hassles of running out of gas, make sure to fill the tank.
Running out of gas in rural areas, or much worse desolate places are the last thing that you would want to happen. To keep this from happening, keep your gas level in check, especially if going on a long trip.
7. Change With the Weather
Inclement weather often means that you need to slow down during rainy days due to slick roads. Avoid speeding and keep your hands steady on the wheel.
Avoid using your cruise controls. And lastly, steer clear of the other cars just in case you hydroplane or slide uncontrollably on a wet surface.
8. Check the Road Surface
Public roads and highways aren’t the same. Some roads are safe for driving. Some are not. To avoid accidents, make it a habit to check the surface of the roads that you travel on a daily basis.
Rough roads are challenging and uncomfortable to tread. But driving on asphalt is typically smooth and quiet.
9. Don’t Make Good Conversations a Potential Distraction
If you’re immersed in conversations while driving or walking, it’s easy to lose focus and forget about where you are. Don’t let a happy talk seize your safety in the road. Be mindful and remind yourself that discussions also need a proper venue.
10. Make It Safety of the Children
If you’re traveling with kids, observing safety precautions is imperative more than ever. Buckle and secure the children who are too small to sit in their adult-sized seat. Adults should see to it that they’re driving at an average speed. They must put the safety of their children in the first line.
11. Keep Your Cool and Move On
Road rage is real. It already led to assaults and even murders which already reached an alarming rate for the last ten years.
The frustration that stress, congested traffic, massive gridlocks and construction delays or detours can trigger your temper. Keep in mind that it is important to remain calm and level-headed. Crankiness won’t solve anything.
12. Most People Think They’re Good Drivers
You can’t help it. Some drivers are too arrogant to claim that they are good drivers themselves. While there are accident variables that you can’t control, it is still a wise practice to exercise responsible driving, whenever and wherever.
Be responsible for yourself and don’t rely on others to signal, brake or consider your car. It’s your principal responsibility to look after yourself on the road.
13. Be Extra Cautious on Dangerous Roads
When you are traveling on roads that have steep drop-offs or sharp curves or steep offs, it’s best to be steady and to slow down. Keep your alertness high and take double safety precautions to maintain safety driving. The last thing that you want to happen is to careen your car over a dangerous cliff.
14. Consistency is Key
Another essential practice that drivers and pedestrians need to observe on the road is to remain their consistency. Avoid sudden halts or random lane switches. It can lead to a disastrous crash, collision or pileup.
15. Don’t Run That Light
Traffic lights exist for a reason. Drivers are meant to follow them. If the light is yellow, it means you have to slow down and stop, simple as that. Avoid trying to run within a red light’s notice; it will only gain you a ticket for a traffic violation or worst, a collision with another car.
Takeaway
Nothing beats prevention because they are better than cure. It pays to be vigilant and responsible when it comes to driving and road safety. Safety precautions on the road render benefits that you and other drivers and commuters can benefit from.
Author Credits
Keith S. Brais, https://www.braislaw.com
Having graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Engineering from Massachusetts Maritime Academy, acquired three U.S. Coast Guard licenses and worked on offshore oil drilling platforms for more than seven years, Keith S. Brais brings an uncommon degree of real world experience to clients’ personal injury and wrongful death claims. His unique maritime education and experience, combined with his professional legal expertise and trial skills provide invaluable benefit to clients when describing the dangers associated with maritime employment to a judge or jury. Keith S. Brais is one of a very specialized group of lawyers in the precautions to maintain safety driving. The last thing that you want to happen is to careen your car over a dangerous cliff.
