Safety is important when driving because car accidents can have serious consequences, including injury or death to drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. Statistics show that 1.3 million people die each year because of road accidents. In addition to the human toll, car accidents can cause property damage and disrupt traffic. By following safe driving practices and identifying your risk factors, you can help reduce the risk of accidents and protect yourself, your passengers, and others on the road. So, here are five factors that can increase your risks on the road and what you can do.
Other road users
In many cases, your risk factors on the road are other road users, from other drivers to cyclists and pedestrians. And unfortunately, those affected the most by road accidents are sometimes not the cause of those accidents. The best way to ensure that other drivers do not put you at risk is to drive defensively. Defensive driving essentially means using safe driving strategies that allow you to anticipate risky situations. It also limits your risks of getting caught in the consequences of someone else’s bad driving. If you’re involved in an accident that’s not your fault, you can also seek legal assistance, depending on your location. For example, if the accident occurred in Baltimore, you can look for a car accident lawyer Baltimore residents can rely on.
Getting distracted
Any distraction, regardless of how minor it is, can quickly lead to a disaster. And thousands of people have fallen victim to it. From using your phone to fidgeting with your dashboard, getting distracted takes your concentration off the road – something that should never happen even if you’re not on a busy street. Other distractions like loud passengers or annoying motorists can also increase your risk on the road, so keep this in mind.
Alcohol
At this point, no one should remind you that it’s a bad idea to get behind the wheel when intoxicated. Driving when drunk or intoxicated increases your risks on the road by as much as seven times. 30% of road accidents in the US alone are caused by drunk driving. And even if you feel you can handle the road with a little liquor in your system, you’ll probably fall in hot waters with the law. Driving under the influence (DUI) is a crime almost everywhere you go, so avoid it at all costs. You can get a taxi or Uber or ask a sober friend or family member to handle the steering wheel.
Ignoring the speed limits around you
Every road comes with a required speed limit. And driving faster than that limit puts you and other road users in danger, as it gives you less time to react should a dangerous situation spring up. And this can be even more dangerous when driving in inhabited areas.
Aside from going faster than the speed limit, driving slowly can also be a risk factor. Driving slower can confuse and frustrate other drivers while interrupting traffic flow. Therefore, familiarize yourself with the speed limits on a particular road, and drive accordingly.
Making mistakes
It’s still possible to make mistakes when driving, even when obeying the speed limits and driving defensively. As such, it’s important to continue or keep up with your driving training even after earning your license. Don’t assume that you’ve learned every driving skill simply because you passed your driving test.
(Disclaimer: This content is a partnered post. This material is provided as news and general information. It should not be construed as an endorsement of any investment service. The opinions expressed are the personal views and experience of the author, and no recommendation is made.)