More than 6 million car accidents happen in the United States every year, with distracted driving, intoxication, and sleepiness as the top causes. When driving any motorized vehicle, you are responsible for doing your part in keeping the roads safe for yourself, passengers, pedestrians, and other drivers.
Safety is something that every driver should have in mind while on the road. If you’re considering hitting the road on your next trip, whether you’re driving up the coast of California or drive long miles for a living, don’t leave home without thinking about these top safety driving tips:
Protect Yourself from Accidents
Whether you’re driving long miles using a large truck, sedan, or minivan, it helps to have a reliable car or truck accident lawyer you can call in case anything happens. That’s because car accidents are inevitable, especially when going on long road trips or driving along highways at night. Having an attorney can help you go along with your trip with confidence as they know how to handle any road mishap or incident, ensuring you get proper compensation when something does happen.
Give Your Vehicle a Once-Over
Before hitting the road, make sure to do a thorough maintenance check on your vehicle by going to a local car repair shop or do it yourself if you’re confident enough with your skills. When doing a once-over, ensure everything gets checked, including tire pressure, fluid, tread, or oil levels, and wiper blades. When something needs to get changed, from oil to fluids, do it. Generally, if anything looks like it needs polishing up, get it fixed before it’s time to drive.
Get Enough Sleep Before the Big Day
It’s best if you think about exhaustion before starting your trip, not after, to ensure your safety when you bring yourself on the road. Get at least eight hours of sleep for two consecutive days before the big road trip to stack up on your energy reserves, prepare for the long days behind the wheel. When the day of the road trip comes, it’s wise to start driving in the morning after a good night’s sleep.
Additionally, it’s best if you avoid driving between 1 and 3 pm as your body’s temperature tends to be lower, making you naturally tired.
Plan Your Rest Stops Beforehand
One of the most crucial elements for long drives is to get out of your vehicle and stretch your legs every two to three hours to avoid tiring yourself out or getting cramps. It’s best if you plan these rest stops into your long drive to adhere to your schedule while giving you enough rest and energy.
Sit Up Straight
Although it can be challenging, it’s best to sit up straight when driving because slouching can make you feel naturally tired. Also, sitting correctly while on the road ensures your protection in case of an accident occurs. You can achieve a proper driving position by bending your legs and elbows while sitting upright.
Be Patient
Most accidents that occur are due to impatient drivers rushing through the roads. Although time is a valid consideration when traveling, safety should always be at the top of your priority list. When you get involved in an accident, you can expect your trip to get delayed and even pay for costly repairs. So, be patient.
No matter how skilled you are in driving, it’s wise to consider the tips mentioned to ensure you’re careful enough for everyone’s safety while on the road.
