Media post: 5 Tips to Keep Everyone Safer When Driving

Car collisions are one of the most avoidable tragedies in our society. These accidents can be scary to experience, and dangerous, too!

It’s better to take it slow and steady to stay as safe as possible. Some more tips are listed below to help you drive safer to avoid these harrowing motor accidents.

1. Obey the Traffic Laws and Signals

Some of the top causes of car accidents are a result of a car driving through a red light, not stopping at a sign, or not following the right-of-way conventions. Traffic laws were created with the intention of keeping everyone safe, so it’s better for everyone to adhere to them.

Following the basic laws and signals in the area where you’re driving is one of the simplest steps that you can take to ensure that everyone in your vehicle and in the vehicles around you stays safe.

2. Drive the Speed Limit

Driving at the speed limit can sometimes feel slow, and you might think, I could get there faster if I drove 10 or 15 mph over the limit.

However, speeding will only marginally affect the time it takes to arrive at your destination. Meanwhile, driving at or below the speed limit will help prevent accidents.

There are some cases where a crash is unavoidable. However, in the case that there is a crash, if both cars were driving at the speed limit, then both people will be more likely to walk away from the crash okay—and that’s much more important than saving a few minutes on your drive!

3. Secure Any and All Animals in Your Car

If you’re transporting an animal, make sure it’s safe! Making sure that animals in your car aren’t a distraction to you while you’re driving will prevent you from making a mistake and causing a crash.

In the event of a crash, your animal is much more likely to be unhurt if they have a safety restraint in use. A dog that rides in the back seat without a pet restraint is likely to be thrown forward in the case of a crash and be badly injured.

To keep your little buddy safe, use a leash, or specialized buckle to keep them secured, all safe and sound in the backseat!

4. Drive Sober

Never drive under the influence. Substances like alcohol and drugs can lead to poor decision-making and slow reaction times. As a driver, these two factors are a recipe for a vehicle collision.

To prevent these risky crashes, there are lots of other options for you if you’re under the influence. Some of these are:

– Using a ride-share app

– Calling a cab

– Staying where you are until sober

– Catching a ride with a sober friend

5. Use Your Turn Signal Every Time You Make a Lane Change

The more you use your signal, the better and safer everyone is. The best driving advice you can get is “be predictable.”

If other drivers know where you are going when you change direction or change lanes, then they can adjust their speed and avoid running into you. Signaling is also a generally helpful method of communicating with other drivers when you’re at a 4-way stop.

Safety Is Key

Keeping everyone safe when you drive is the ultimate goal. It’s good to remind yourself of this if you’re ever in a rush or running behind.

Arriving safely at your destination is more important than arriving on time. Your life and those of your passengers should always be your primary concern when you drive.

To keep everyone a whole lot safer on the road, keep the tips above in mind! Stay safe!