Auto accidents and injuries result in death and disability. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), some 1.35 million people tragically die each year in car crashes. Moreover, auto injuries that result in disability can shorten or impact the quality of life of young victims between five to 29 years old.
These numbers are so grave and alarming that road safety has become a public health issue. Below are effective strategies to prevent auto accidents and injuries, as recommended by experts in Ritecare auto clinic, Hialeah:
1. Always wear a seatbelt when you’re riding in a vehicle.
According to the National Safety Commission, 88.5 percent of Americans observe the law of wearing a seatbelt when they are driving or riding in a car. While this practice has been proven to save lives, there are still a few thousand individuals who unnecessarily die or suffer a serious injury for not buckling up during car rides.
Children and teenagers need to be reminded each time they are inside a vehicle to strap their seatbelt on. The responsibility of making sure that this happens lies in the parents or the adults driving the car.
2. Always drive defensively.
As a driver, you need to remember the basic rule to stop, look and listen before you hit the gas and turn the steering wheel. Check your rearview and side-view mirrors, as well as looking both left and right on the road a few times, before crossing or turning the car, especially at a busy intersection where other vehicles may sometimes appear out of nowhere.
Leave at least a meter of distance between your car and the car in front of you as tailgating, or the act of driving too closely behind another car can also increase your accident risk. Scan the road and position of your car on the road properly so that you can avoid other vehicles that may swerve or stop suddenly.
3. Remove distractions when you’re driving.
Using your cellphone, eating while driving, or multi-tasking, while you’re at the steering wheel, are just some of the distractions that could lead to a car crash. If you are distracted, then you won’t be able to avoid a pothole that could blow your tire and smack your car into traffic head-on.
You need to keep your hands on the steering wheel at all times if you’re driving a vehicle. To focus on the road and the drivers around you, make sure you settle calls or finish your food and do other things, other than driving, before you start the car.
4. Don’t be in a rush.
Don’t be tempted to drive fast or speed up if you’re running late for an appointment. Apart from getting a ticket for a speeding violation, you’ll endanger yourself and the other people on the road when you drive beyond the speed limits because you can easily lose control of the vehicle. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 9,378 deaths attributed to speeding on the road in 2018.
5. Maintain your car.
As a car owner, it’s your responsibility to regularly conduct an oil change, check the water on the radiator and replace the old tires that are no longer stable. It would be smart to have the car checked by a mechanic at least every few miles of driving to avoid mechanical failure.
Seeing a Doctor at auto clinic in Hialeah
If you have been involved in an auto accident, we strongly encourage you to visit our auto clinic in Hialeah or Contact Us today to receive the care that you need and deserve. For your convenience, you can book an appointment online. For inquiries, call us at (305) 200-1225.
The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.
