Road safety is essential for preventing accidents and protecting everyone on the road. While driving may appear to be a daily thing, it is critical to constantly adhere to safe driving habits.
Bad driving habits are common, but making small changes can significantly reduce risks. Whether you are an experienced driver or new to the road, these habits are crucial.
The following five safety practices should become second nature to all drivers. Adopting these habits will help you stay safe and protect others, making the roads a safer place for everyone.
Always Buckle Up Before Driving
Wearing a seatbelt is one of the most simple and effective safety precautions. Seatbelts protect injuries in the event of an accident, lowering the likelihood of significant harm.
NHTSA notes that in 2022, 25,420 passenger vehicle occupants were killed, with 50% of them not wearing seat belts. Seat belts saved 14,955 lives in 2017 and could have helped save 2,549 more. Proper seat belt use is critical, as many lives could have been spared with better adherence.
Even if you're driving a short distance, always wear your seatbelt. When driving with passengers, remind them to buckle up as well. It’s a small habit with significant consequences for safety. Making it a habit ensures that your chances of surviving an accident are much higher.
Does wearing a seatbelt affect airbag performance?
Wearing a seatbelt improves airbag effectiveness. Airbags are designed to work in tandem with seatbelts to prevent injury. Without a seatbelt, airbags may not deploy correctly or could cause harm due to the force of deployment.
Avoid Using Your Phone While Driving
Distracted driving is one of the most common causes of accidents. Texting, calling, or checking social media diverts your focus away from the road. Even a few seconds of attention might result in a disastrous scenario.
As per the most recent CDC data, nine people die each day in collisions involving distracted drivers in the United States. In 2019, around 3,100 individuals were killed and 424,000 wounded in distracted driving accidents. About 1 in 5 deaths from distracted driving in 2019 were pedestrians, cyclists, or non-vehicle occupants.
Drivers who use phones are slower to react to sudden changes in traffic conditions. It’s best to use hands-free options or pull over if you need to make a call. In some places, using a phone while driving is illegal, and it can lead to hefty fines. Prioritize road awareness over convenience. Keeping your phone out of reach is a smart choice.
Are hands-free phones safer than handheld?
Although hands-free devices reduce manual distractions, they still pose cognitive distractions. Your brain is engaged in conversation, taking attention away from driving. Hands-free is safer than handheld, but it's still risky when the focus shifts from the road.
Never Drive After Drinking Alcohol
Driving under the influence of alcohol is among the most hazardous things a motorist can do. Alcohol affects cognition, response time, and motor abilities, which raises the likelihood of an accident. It’s not just a danger to yourself; driving drunk also poses a significant threat to others on the road.
For example, The Telegraph recently reported that a 22-year-old Hamel man was charged with DUI after an accident on Illinois 140. On October 24, the man faced three counts of aggravated DUI, all Class 4 felonies. The crash, which occurred in Edwardsville on April 27, left another person with a broken femur.
If you cause an accident while driving under the influence, the other party will most likely sue you. Let’s take a quick look at the legal consequences of such accidents:
Legal Trouble After an Accident
According to TorHoerman Law, any lawsuit filed against you could result in significant financial consequences, including medical bills and lost wages. The other party may seek damages for both immediate and long-term medical expenses, and rehabilitation costs. They may also claim compensation for emotional distress caused by the accident and any psychological effects.
You must also consult a defense lawyer to understand your legal rights and options. In the incident we’ve discussed above, the other party may consult an Edwardsville personal injury attorney. This is because they are familiar with local laws and court procedures. A personal injury attorney in Edwardsville can offer valuable insight into the case, helping both parties understand their legal standing.
The same is true for any other local jurisdiction where the accident occurred. Local lawyers also have experience handling similar cases, which allows them to prepare for potential challenges and predict outcomes.
Can alcohol-related accidents lead to criminal charges?
Yes, DUI accidents can result in criminal charges. These may include aggravated DUI, vehicular manslaughter, or reckless driving charges. Criminal charges can lead to long-term consequences like incarceration, probation, or a permanent criminal record.
Maintain a Safe Following Distance
The Insurance Information Institute reported that in 2022, rear-end collisions accounted for 2,817 accidents in the United States. These crashes made up 7.2% of all reported accidents that year. Rear-end accidents remain a significant concern in overall crash statistics for 2022.
Tailgating is a prevalent and unsafe behavior that raises the likelihood of a rear-end collision. Maintaining an appropriate following distance gives you enough time to respond to unexpected stops. The rule of thumb is to allow a 3-second gap between your vehicle and the one ahead.
In bad weather or heavy traffic, increase that gap for additional safety. This habit reduces the likelihood of an accident caused by an unexpected stop. It also allows you to maintain better visibility, especially in case of sudden turns or lane changes. You reduce stress and drive more safely by following this habit.
How does a safe following distance improve visibility?
A good following distance improves vision, especially in cases of rapid lane changes. It ensures you can see the road clearly without obstruction from the vehicle ahead. More space helps you anticipate potential hazards early, improving overall road safety.
Road safety goes beyond preventing accidents; it's about fostering a calm and respectful driving culture. We can drastically lower accidents and fatalities by making these five safety habits a routine. Every motorist is responsible for their own and other people's safety on the road.
Simple acts, such as buckling up and remaining aware, can have a significant influence. It is up to us to make the environment safer for everyone. Consistently practicing these practices contributes to the growth of a responsible driving community.
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