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More than 2.3 million Americans are injured or disabled in car accidents each year, according to the Association for Safe International Road Travel. In addition, it’s estimated that road crashes cost the U.S. roughly $230 billion annually at an average cost of $820 per person involved. Rough driving conditions such as ice, snow and rain, distractions and impaired driving are to blame. However, these common crashes can be prevented. If you’re committed to being a safe driver, use the following tips while out on the road.
Distracted Driving
A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study found that Americans are more likely to use their cellphone to talk, text and email while driving when compared to their European counterparts. But distracted driving isn’t limited to cellphone use. Manual distractions such as eating, visual distractions like putting on makeup in the mirror or using the car’s GPS, and cognitive distractions such as allowing your mind to wander, can all lead to accidents.
Avoid falling victim to distracted driving and vow to put your cellphone out of reach when you’re behind the wheel. Distraction.gov offers a pledge form for drivers to sign as they commit to distraction-free driving. This form encourages drivers to drive phone-free and, when signed by parents, acts as a good example for teens and young drivers. In 2009 President Obama signed an executive order banning texting and cellphone use for commercial drivers. Years later, some states have followed suit and banned cellphone use for all drivers on the road. Learn your state’s laws and share them with your family.
Navigating High-Glare Situations
The Vision Council of America reports that the sun is one of the overlooked dangers while driving. It states that the most dangerous times to drive in glare situations are during the height of morning commuter travel and afternoon rush hour traffic.
If you’re commuting during these time frames and experience glare in your line of sight, it’s important to protect your eyes and your precious cargo by investing in UV-blocking sunglasses. Revant Optics offers replacement lenses with 100 percent UV protection in a wide array of colors, including polarized and non-polarized options, designed to fit a variety of brands. If you wear prescription glasses, consider purchasing prescription sunglasses for driving.
Wet Road Conditions
According to Allstate, hydroplaning is one of the top five common causes of car crashes. Hydroplaning occurs while driving through standing water at a high speed, an action that can force your car’s tires to push the water out of the way to maintain contact with the road. This can cause the vehicle to slide uncontrollably, and can result in the driver losing control of the vehicle.
Allstate suggests driving slowly in these types of conditions to avoid hydroplaning, because slower speeds allow the tires to connect with the road. Check your tire’s treads regularly, and rotate or replace your tires as needed.
Writen by Social Monters.