6 Things You Can Do to Reduce Car Accidents in the US
Car accidents in the United States are an unfortunately common occurrence. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 37,000 people dead in motor vehicle crashes in 2017. It means that, on average, more than 100 people die in car accidents daily in the US.
The causes of car accidents vary, but the most common are distracted driving, drunk driving, drowsy driving, speeding, and faulty vehicle parts. Distracted driving is a major factor in car accidents, especially in cities like St. Louis. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than nine people have died, and more than 1,000 are injured every day in the US in crashes involving distracted drivers. Moreover, the number of distracted drivers is even higher in St. Louis, as it is one of the most populated areas in the country. St. Louis car accident attorney can help with your accident cases in the US and get you the compensation you deserve. Furthermore, there are several ways to reduce car accidents in the US.
Follow Traffic Laws
Following traffic laws can reduce car accidents by encouraging drivers to travel safely and responsibly. Drivers should obey all speed limits, use appropriate turn signals, and stop at all red lights and stop signs. These actions help to ensure that all vehicles on the road are traveling at a safe, consistent speed and are aware of other vehicles’ movements. Additionally, traffic laws can reduce car accidents by requiring drivers to pay attention to the road and refrain from texting or other distractions. Drivers who obey traffic laws are less likely to be involved in an accident due to negligence or recklessness.
Avoid Distractions
Avoiding distractions while driving can help reduce car accidents by increasing awareness among the driver over their surroundings, which can be achieved by reducing the amount of time spent on activities that take away from the primary focus of driving, such as eating, drinking, talking on the phone, or texting. Additionally, drivers should avoid any activities that take their eyes off the road or their hands off the steering wheel, such as changing the radio station, adjusting the air conditioning, or reaching for items in the car.
Keep Your Vehicle Maintained
Keeping your vehicle maintained can reduce car accidents by ensuring that all car parts are in good working order. Regularly checking your brakes, tires, fluids, and lights can help prevent malfunctions or delays that can cause accidents. Ensuring your car is properly serviced can help keep the brakes, engine, and other essential parts in top condition. It can reduce the chances of a malfunction or failure which causes an accident.
Wear Seat Belts
Wearing a seat belt is one of the most effective ways to prevent severe injury or death during a car accident. Seat belts provide a critical layer of protection that helps keep drivers and passengers safe. By properly wearing a seat belt, occupants can be held securely in their seats, reducing the risk of being thrown from the vehicle or striking the interior of the car. Wearing a seat belt also helps keep the occupant in the correct position for the airbag to work properly.
Be Aware of Other Drivers
Being aware of other drivers can reduce car accidents by helping drivers become more aware of the other vehicles and drivers on the road. Drivers should look for other drivers who are speeding, not following the road rules, or driving erratically. Additionally, drivers should be aware of their driving habits, such as accelerating, braking, turning, and merging. If a driver notices that another driver is behaving recklessly, they should give that driver plenty of space and stay out of their way.
Take Defensive Driving Courses
Taking defensive driving courses can help reduce the number of car accidents by teaching drivers the skills and knowledge necessary to identify and avoid dangerous driving situations. Defensive driving courses provide drivers with the tools to anticipate and respond to hazardous driving conditions, recognize and avoid driver distractions, and make proper decisions to prevent accidents. Additionally, defensive driving courses emphasize the importance of obeying traffic laws, such as speed limits and following road rules.
Conclusion
All the ways mentioned above can help you protect yourself from car accidents in the US, but it is still recommended to hire a car accident lawyer for an unfortunate case.