Unfortunately, car accidents are surprisingly frequent events, and they are one of the largest causes of death in young people in the United States. Therefore, everyone who has the privilege to drive should be constantly educating themselves on how to stay safe on the roads, not only for the safety of the other road users but also to protect themselves and their loved ones.
The following is an overview of some less common tips for ensuring that you are as safe as possible on the roads.
Make sure that you have glasses if you need them
Poor eyesight isn’t something that people often consider the cause of car accidents, but it can lead to tragic consequences. Perhaps you have not had your eyes tested for a while and you need an updated prescription, or you simply don’t carry your glasses as often as you should. Make sure that you prioritize safety and only drive when you know that your eyesight is at its best.
Keep your hands on the wheel
When a driver is confident and experienced, they may grow complacent. This could mean that they drive with only one hand lightly on the wheel. While this may seem unproblematic, it will mean that you are not adequately positioned to respond to an immediate danger. Therefore, you should always position your hands firmly on the 3 o’clock position and the 9 o’clock position when driving straight.
Think ahead
You should start safety planning before you even begin your journey, especially if you are driving a new route or embarking on a long journey. It’s also important that you try to avoid driving in darkness whenever possible and that you check the weather forecast since sudden severe weather conditions are a common cause of accidents.
It’s important to consider how accidents can be best prevented. However, if you have been involved in an accident, make sure that you understand your legal rights to claim compensation and to hold the at-fault party responsible.