Driving a car is an awesome responsibility, so it’s important that you follow the rules of the road. Accidents are more likely to occur when drivers are not being safe. Here are some of the things you should make sure you do (and also avoid doing) when you are behind the wheel.
One of the most important things to remember when driving is to pay attention. You have to be cognizant not only of other cars on the road but also pedestrians, motorcycles and bicycles. Pedestrian and bicycle accidents are likely to be a car driver’s fault, and accidents with motorcycles are more likely to be fatalities. For example, in 2013, motorcycle accidents were responsible for 4% of accident injuries but 14% of fatalities. To ensure you are paying proper attention while behind the wheel, you should avoid using your mobile phone, and you also should abstain from things like eating or putting on makeup.
Another thing you have to stay away from when driving is the use of drugs or alcohol. Drunk driving or otherwise driving under the influence is one of the top causes of car and truck accidents. Drunk driving accounts for a large portion of injury and fatal accidents, and even driving under the influence of other substances contributes to 16% of accidents every year. Causing an accident when you are under the influence can lead to a wrongful death lawsuit and it also affect you mentally. Most people think of alcohol or illegal drugs when they hear the term “driving under the influence,” but legal medications, such as prescription drugs also can affect how you drive. If your doctor tells you not to drive while taking a certain medication or if the drugs warnings list impaired driving as a side effect, then you should not drive while taking the drug.
Heeding the traffic laws is another important factor when driving. There are 37,000 people killed annually in traffic crashes, and many of those are caused by failure to adhere to traffic laws. Speeding, violating signs or stop lights or other traffic violations can make crashes more likely, which is why it’s important to follow all traffic laws.
Following these tips while driving will help to keep you and other drivers safe and avoid accidents.
