Across the country, 90 people will die in fatal car accidents today, which is akin to a plane full of people crashing into the ground, killing everyone on board. What’s more, 2 million out of the annual 6 million bad car accidents will permanently injury the victims.
Such sobering car accidents statistics are reason enough to impel anyone to drive more safely. Here are a few of the best ways you can avoid getting into bad car accidents.
Distracted Driving.
Of all the various causes of car accidents, distracted driving is the most dangerous. Whether it’s talking on the phone, eating, putting on makeup, smoking, or playing with the radio, a whopping 80% of bad car accidents involve distracted driving, according to a study from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The key to reducing this danger is discipline. Though it may be tempting to do secondary tasks while you drive, it’s always better not to. If you devote your full attention to the road, you’ll significantly reduce the risk of bad car accidents.
Road Rage.
It’s natural to get frustrated or upset with other drivers, but you cannot let that overpower you. Road rage can lead to reckless driving, making people tailgate, change lanes too quickly, and speed. It’s not easy to alter your driving habits, but if you want to avoid bad car accidents, you’ve got to learn how to drive more defensively, and not as aggressively. Though it’s frustrating when others drive below the sped limit, hog lanes, neglect their turn signals, slow down early for exits, or accelerate unevenly, the best thing to do is to get around them as quickly–and safely–as possible.
Seat Belts.
Believe it or not, more than half of the people who died in accidents weren’t wearing their seat belts. Some people wear their seat belts knowing it could save their lives. Others because they want to avoid a ticket. Yet, one in seven people are still willing to risk it. The fact of the matter is that you have to wear your seatbelt while driving at all times–even if you’re in the backseat.
Bad car accidents are a fact of life, but that doesn’t mean they’re unavoidable. Being a safe, disciplined driver is the best way to save your life while on the road. If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments. Find more on this topic here.
