Learning the basics of road safety is required among motorists. Despite this, the World Health Organization says that 1.35 million fatalities from road collisions are reported each year. You will always be vulnerable to highway accidents, even if you are a professional driver.
This doesn’t necessarily mean that learning road safety won’t protect you from a reckless driver. You just have to double down on keeping yourself safe from accidents. Follow these tips to drive with less worry:
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Get ample sleep
You might want to avoid driving your car if you haven’t had enough sleep the night before. According to the National HighwayTraffic Safety Administration, drowsy driving caused 44,000 injuries in 2013 alone. Whether you are commuting over long distances or visiting a friend two blocks away, you need to be mentally alert when you are behind the wheel.
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Keep your vehicle in good condition
A good bulk of car accidents are caused by mechanical failures. Everything from a broken tail-light to braking failure has the potential to cause fatal crashes. For this reason, it’s always a good idea to take your vehicle to a mechanic and patch up any mechanical issues right away. If you are planning to go on a long road trip, give yourself at least a week to get your car into good condition.
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Know the effects of your medication
If you are taking prescription drugs, you may want to determine if these would cause side effects that will hamper your driving. Certain states such as Ohio are strict when it comes to motorists who are driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
If ever you were involved in an accident that was caused by the medication you were taking, you might want to hire a Mason OH DUI Attorney. When it comes to avoiding such a scenario, it’s better if you ask your doctor whether it’s safe to take your medication during a long drive. You can also ask if it’s possible to switch to a different medication if the one you are taking affects your concentration.
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Keep a level head
Road rage often leads to reckless driving. If you have anger management issues, you may resort to tailgating, speeding, and other acts that will endanger not only yourself but also everyone else on the road. Consider taking a break from driving and give yourself time to cool down.
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Be mindful and stay on the alert
Apart from knowing how to maneuver through traffic, you should also develop the ability to sense potential danger. For this, you need to stay vigilant of what’s happening around you. Scan your surroundings for obstacles, pedestrians, and other vehicles. As much as possible, stay within the speed limit and maintain a safe distance from vehicles and other objects.
As a motorist, you have the responsibility of protecting yourself, your passengers, and other motorists from a potential crash. Keep these tips in mind to avoid anything that would cause injuries and damages on the road.
