Driver Safety Week Merits Activity, Not Just An Announcement

By Guest Author: Zoe Florence

Driver Safety Week is an important time to remember how crucial driver safety is to everyone on the road. However, aside from just reminding people about driver safety, drivers should also take the time to ensure they are safe out there on the roads. Many people die or get seriously injured from road accidents each year and so drivers everywhere should always keep the following things on mind when they go on the road.

Avoid Distractions

We all know that we should never drive drunk, tired, or too fast. However, distractions can be just as bad while driving so it’s important that you remove all distractions while on the road. Put your phone on silent mode or turn it off completely. If you are on a long trip or you truly are waiting for an important call, then you should purchase a in-car phone system that can route phone calls to your car’s speaker system to keep your hands free. However, the best thing to do is still to remove all distractions and you should only use the phone in cases of extreme emergencies.

Wear Your Seatbelt

Studies have shown that wearing your seatbelt can prevent fatalities during car accidents. When worn correctly, this prevents the driver and passengers from flying through the windshield or being tossed around inside the vehicle. Even the most minor car collisions can cause the people inside the car to bump into the dashboard or side mirrors. So, buckle up before you start the motor – and tell your passengers the same too!

Image via State Farm Flickr

Keep a Safe Distance

Don’t follow the car in front of you too closely while on the road. You need time to react just in case the person in front of you stops all of a sudden. Different drivers have different reaction times so it’s hard to say exactly how far you should stay back, but a good rule of thumb is the three second rule. Basically, look for an stationary object on the side of the road. As soon as the car in front of you passes it, start counting. You should count to at least 3 before your car passes the same object.

 Drive According to Weather

Driving in the summer and the spring can be a pleasant experience. However, when the winter months come, you need to start thinking about the way you drive. Snow and ice can cause your car to slip, so make sure you have more space in between you and the car in front of you. Fog and sleet can reduce visibility so make sure you go just below the speed limit to avoid accidents.

Maintain Your Car Properly