It may not feel like it, but the road can be a very dangerous place. You probably drive your car almost every day without even thinking about the potential of getting into a car accident. The unfortunate truth is that car accidents are fairly common. In 2017, there were 128,188 car accidents in Pennsylvania. These crashes led to 80,612 injuries and 1,137 deaths.
Given the amount of damage that a car accident can cause, it is only natural to do everything in your power to avoid getting into one yourself. Taking a few simple precautions can help protect both yourself and the people you share the road with.
Keep your car in good condition
Keeping your car in good condition can go a long way. Taking your car in for a routine oil change and having it inspected for issues may seem simple enough, but plenty of people put off these tasks. As soon as a light on your dashboard appears, you should make sure to bring your vehicle in for inspection.
Not only can avoiding car maintenance cost you more money in the long run, but it can also put you at risk. Engine issues, brakes going out and other preventable issues can cause accidents. This leaves you susceptible to injury when it would have been much easier to have a trusted mechanic check your car.
Focus on the road, not distractions
Distracted driving has become an epidemic in the United States. Taking your eyes off the road to check a cell phone alert or slowing down to get a better view of something on the side of the road can put you at risk of an accident. Checking your cell phone for a quick second may seem minor, but that can be more than enough time to put you in danger.
Instead, put your cell phone away while you are driving and keep your attention on what is going on in front of you. If this is not possible, make sure to pull over to a safe spot on the side of the road so you are not putting yourself at risk.
Avoid driving on holidays and at night
Most people do not consider the time of day or part of the year when they decide to drive. You probably just hop in your car and get on the road when there is somewhere you need to be. That said, there are times when getting into a car accident is more likely.
Holidays when drinking is prevalent are especially dangerous. Naturally, there are more impaired drivers on the road, which could put you at risk even if you are taking all the necessary precautions. The night is similar because there is an increased amount of drunk people on the road as well as young drivers joyriding. It does not help that you cannot see as well due to the lack of light either. If at all possible, try to avoid these time periods to protect yourself from reckless drivers.
Follow the rules of the road
Following the law on the road may seem simple enough, but it may surprise you how many people ignore this advice. Reckless driving can significantly increase the likelihood of getting into a car accident. Simply driving the speed limit and making legal turns is very important to your safety. Additionally, staying out of the way of people who ignore the law or take unsafe risks on the road will make your driving experience much better.