If you’re a relatively new driver or you simply want to make sure that you’re being as safe on the road as possible, it’s a good idea to learn why thousands of people get injured in auto accidents every month. Here, we’re going to look at the factors that can increase the danger to you on the road, as well as what you can do about them.
Getting distracted
Distraction is, by far, the most common risk for inexperienced and young drivers. Using your phone is perhaps the greatest modern risk of all (which is why even hands-free use is getting banned in several locations), but there are other distractions to make sure that you’re making efforts to mitigate as well, such as passengers that might be too loud or attention-seeking.
Not following speeds around you
It’s no secret that a lot of people speed, with over half of all people considering it a prevalent and common danger. However, being faster than the cars around you means that you have a lot less time to react should a dangerous situation come up. These situations become extra risky in inhabited areas, where both vehicles and pedestrians can pose a major risk.
Making mistakes
You don’t necessarily need to be speeding or to be dealing with distractions for you to make a mistake on the road. As such, it’s important to keep up with training even after earning your license, with defensive driving schools able to help you navigate dangers that can pop up unexpectedly on the road. Make sure that you’re avoiding drowsy driving as best as possible, as it can greatly affect your judgment calls, too.
Being under the influence
Whether it’s alcohol, cannabis, or something else, being under the influence is a major problem in several ways. It greatly affects your reaction times, as well as impairing your judgment on how to handle situations on the road. If you’re in a situation where you are likely to get intoxicated or even to have just a couple of drinks, you should make sure that someone else is in charge of driving or, at the very least, that you don’t have your keys on you.
Others on the road
Not every accident is the fault of the person most affected by it. If someone else is at fault, you can try using defensive driving tactics to avoid them but sometimes that’s not always possible. Knowing how to handle the aftermath of a road incident, such as enlisting the help of car accident attorneys, is important, as well. It can help you ensure that responsibility is put in the right place.
Mechanical failure
Sometimes, it’s your car that lets you down, of all things. Some of the most common mechanical failures can cause road accidents, such as worn brake pads leading to less stopping power when you need it most. Routine maintenance with the help of your mechanic is crucial.
With the tips above, hopefully, you can better prepare to deal with the risks on the road and maximize your own safety as best as possible.