Thousands of motor vehicle accidents happen on the road each and every day, and at Absolute Collision we’re committed to getting you back on the road faster and keeping you safe. No matter how long you’ve been behind the wheel, these 10 driving safety tips will help keep you safe on the road.
These 10 safe driving tips may seem elementary, but these simple safety tips can be the difference in life or death if you get in a car crash.
- Don’t Drive Distracted
We’ve all heard it before don’t text and drive, but how many of us actually listen? The National Safety Council reports that cell phone use while driving leads to 1.6 million crashes each year. Nearly 390,000 injuries occur each year from accidents caused by texting while driving and 1 out of every 4 car accidents in the United States is caused by texting and driving.
Not only is texting and driving a form of distracted driving but so is eating while driving. Pull over or make a pit stop to refuel your body before getting back on the road.
- Check Your Mirrors
Did you know that you should be checking your mirrors every 6-8 seconds? Keep your eyes active and look out for cars in your blindspots, pay attention to what’s ahead and always check your mirrors before merging or changing lanes.
- Go The Speed Limit
Speeding won’t get you where you need to go faster, but it just might prevent you from getting where you need to go. Stay safe, drive the speed limit.
- Wear Your Seatbelt
According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, seatbelt use saved 14,955 lives in 2017. Seat belts are the best defense against impaired, aggressive, and distracted drivers. Being buckled up during a crash helps keep you safe and secure inside your vehicle.
- Watch Out For the Other Guy
Be aware of your surroundings and expect other people to make a mistake. Assume nothing while you’re on the road and always look out for the other guy.
- Leave Early
Give yourself some extra time to get where you need to go. This allows you to go the speed limit without feeling rushed, pull over for any phone calls or pit stops, and keeps you from recklessly going through intersections.
- Keep Your Lights On
Using your headlights not only increases your visibility as the drive but it also helps other drivers see you. Keep a clear visual on the road and let others know you’re coming around the corner with these bright beams.
Pro Tip: Never use your bright lights when it’s foggy. It seems counterintuitive but that actually decreases your visibility.
- Spell S-T-O-P
Don’t roll and go. You know who you are. When you come to a stop sign you should make a full and complete stop, spell the word S-T-O-P to yourself and proceed with caution when safe.
- Let It Go
Road rage. It happens to the best of us, but it can also cause motor vehicle accidents and then you’ll actually have something to be upset about. Take a deep breath, let it go and continue practicing safe driving habits.
- Maintain Your Vehicle
Keep your car in tip-top-shape by rotating the tires, changing the oil, getting it inspected regularly and addressing any issues as soon as possible. Maintaining your car will help to prevent breakdowns and accidents.
Sometimes accidents happen and there’s nothing you can do to prevent that. And when you do find yourself pulled over on the side of the road, remember Absolute Collision. With online scheduling and estimates, 3D frame repair, towing, rental car services, and full-body restoration, we will get you where you need to go.