Safety First: Protecting Yourself On The Road
Cars are one of the greatest inventions ever made. In times gone by, they were a luxury, owned by the privileged few. In modern society, they are everywhere, and many people have become dependent on them. Therein lies the problem. We are perhaps a little too reliant on our cars. How many of us choose to drive a short distance rather than use our feet? No wonder we are becoming an unhealthy generation!
According to the CDC, approximately 9 people are killed every day in the United States, and more than 1,000 are injured in a car accident. Those statistics are shocking, but considering the amount of motor vehicles on the road the chances of accidents and fatalities are high. You may be the safest driver in the world (you say to yourself), but you can’t control the behavior of other road users.
Driving should be a pleasurable experience. However, we can never predict the future. There is no harm in having the number of a reputable car accident lawyer in the event you do have an accident, as well being properly insured to protect yourself and your financial situation.
Despite the risks, you can reduce the chances of an accident.
Be responsible
For starters, you need to follow the national speed limits. You shouldn’t make like Vin Diesel in the Fast and Furious movies and leave all other cars standing in the dust as you burn rubber. However, following the limits also means keeping to them and not driving too slowly. Driving like a tortoise will incur the wrath of other road users, and increase the chances of an accident by reducing the stopping distance from the car behind you.
Most of us are aware of the dangers of drink driving yet many people still take the risk. You may feel fine, but alcohol does slow your reaction times. Again, the statistics are shocking. In 2015, one person died every 51 minutes because of an alcohol-impaired driver.
Car accidents are not something that only happens to other people. You are putting your life, and the lives of others at risk if you don’t act responsibly.
Choose the right car
Modern cars come equipped with a range of safety features, from blind spot cameras to automatic braking when driving too fast behind another vehicle. The trouble is, at the moment buying one of these cars is very expensive. You could take out a finance option to help you purchase one of these cars, though choosing the right car doesn’t necessarily mean buying something brand new. While second-hand cars are less likely to have the latest technological features, they are still a reliable option. However, you don’t want to buy a potential deathtrap so be smart and have the car checked by a reliable mechanic before you buy. Not only are you reducing the chances of an accident by making sure the car is roadworthy, but you are also saving yourself money should your car break down hours after leaving the parking lot.