More and more Americans are on the road than ever before. The influx of drivers increase the chances of an accident while on the road. Staying safe is important for both you and your fellow motorists. It’s essential to implement safe driving practices such as obeying the speed limit, but with almost every American has access to a smartphone, distracted driving has started to become a serious concern.
Driving While Distracted
Every day at least ten people are killed and a thousand injured from motor accidents. Driving every day is an activity that many of us participate in without much thought. But the truth is, it’s hazardous if you aren’t paying attention to the road and driving while distracted. “Distracted Driving” is just as fatal as drunk driving, and entirely preventable. It’s a complex problem affecting all ages. We’ve rounded up some shocking statistics to outline how important it is to be safe while driving.
- Distracted while driving accounts for 25% of fatalities from motor vehicles.
- It only takes 3 seconds from the moment your eyes leave the road to cause an accident.
- Texting while driving is a form of distraction, and 42% of drivers admitted to doing this while on the road.
- You are three times more likely to get into a car accident by being distracted by a cell phone.
- Americans are driving at least 3.22 trillion miles each year, increasing the chances of having an accident.
- The 5 seconds it takes to read or send a text, you’ve already covered the length of a football field if you are driving 55 mph.
- In a recent poll, almost 80% of drivers have admitted to participating in distracting behavior while driving such as changing clothes, putting on makeup, steering with their foot or even shaving.
- During daylight hours, at any moment at least 481,000 drivers are holding a cell phone or electronic device.
4 Ways to Stay Safe While Driving
1. Give Yourself Enough Time
It is all too common to find drivers participating in dangerous speeds, overtaking cars, and making sharp turns because they are late. If you want to avoid a potentially dangerous situation, give yourself enough time to get to your final destination. If you are running late, text or call before you get in the car rather than doing so while you are on the road.
2. Check the Weather
Accidents will happen rain or shine, but if you want to avoid getting into an unnecessary accident check the weather before you venture out. Rain and snow limit visibility on the roads. You’ll want to prepare for this a couple of different ways. First, slow down so you can see, and two leave early, so you aren’t tempted to rush.
3. Get Regular Maintenance Checks
Distracted driving isn’t the only concern you should have while operating a vehicle. Not completing regular maintenance checks can also become problematic. Oil should be changed about every 3000 miles. Keep tires inflated. They not only help with gas mileage, but they will prevent you from slipping and sliding on turns and in wet conditions.
4. Stay Focused on the Road
While this seems obvious, it’s easy for us to get comfortable when driving and neglect to use the tools we learned in drivers ed. When changing lanes, don’t forget to signal your intentions. Let them go around you or slow down to avoid an accident. Slow down when you are coming off of the highway and don’t forget to speed up when you are merging onto the interstate. Always keep your eyes open for motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians. The latter two is especially important if you frequently drive in town.
5. Have Car Insurance
In most states, such as Tennessee, driving without car insurance is illegal and will result in a fine if you are pulled over. But what’s scarier than that is the financial problems you could potentially face if you get into an accident. Car insurance is designed to protect you while you are on the road. In the case of a crash, your car insurance provider will cover damages to your vehicle and the other’s if you are at fault which could be thousands of dollars that would come out of your pocket if you don’t have any. Additionally, most providers offer their drivers roadside assistance in case their vehicle breaks down and liability insurance if they are sued.
Make the most out of your driving experience with a comprehensive car insurance policy from Royce Williams. Visit our website to learn more about what we offer and to get in touch with one of our agents.
