Drive Safe. Be Safe.

Drive Safe. Be Safe.

In America alone, an estimated 34,000 people die from reckless driving. By spreading awareness of being a cautious and safe driver, the numbers can decrease, and less death will be on community roads. By understanding the rules of the road, fatal accidents can be avoided. Drivers understand that being attentive to other cars, allows for easier maneuvering down the roads, especially during traffic. To avoid an accident, be sure to check your blind spots. Those who do not check their blind spots before merging into a lane, are at higher risk of being involved in a car accident. Understanding what it takes to be a safe driver is important knowledge to prevent deaths on the roads.

Those who do not feel comfortable with the road, should practice with a guardian or with a driving school instructor. With the aid of an adult who understands how to avoid dangers on the road, the nervous driver can feel more at ease and begin drilling the steps to avoid a minor or fatal accident. In addition, limit phone use. Nowadays, the most common distraction seen in car accidents are from electronic devices. By putting them away or silencing your notifications, you won’t be distracted by the noise, which would increase driver safety. The condition of the state of the driver as well as the vehicle is extremely fundamental to the safety of others and themselves. Drunk driving has caused a grim amount of deaths, as well as poor maintenance on the car. Before starting a car, question if you are stable enough to drive. Whether you are sleep deprived or intoxicated, prioritize your own safety. Also, prioritize the condition of your car. Check your engine, air pressure, and brakes frequently no matter how busy your schedule is. If your tires are old and begin to feel smooth, immediately buy new tires. When balding on the tires happen, the chances of hydroplaning increases, which could jeopardize your safety. Always be sure to check who and what is going on the road.

Irresponsible driving instills fear in the passengers. If a driver is on their phone, trying to send a text, offer to be the one to send the text message. It is important to take the distraction away from the driver, so they can understand that their focus belongs on the road, rather than on their screen. On the roads, the sight of drivers on their phones is unfortunately common. These distracted drivers risk the safety of the passengers in the car, their own life, and other people near them.

In order to become a better and safer driver, maintain a three car- distance from the car in front, check your blind spots, and try to anticipate the movements of the cars around you. Do not have any distractions, such as your phone, and drive with an awake and sober mind. Make sure to check on the state of your car for a safe trip to avoid hydroplaning. Before driving, check if you are buckled as well as your passengers to avoid risk of further injuries if there is a car accident. Try to foreshadow possible dangers in order to avoid them and keep a look out for any objects on the road. Drive with a clear and sharp mind to prolong your focus on the roads and those around you.