Personal safety on the road is something that should never be disregarded when 50 million people fall victim to road accidents on a daily basis, according to the World Health Organization.
In the United States, a road crash is one of the leading causes of deaths among commuters between the ages of 15 to 29. According to the Federal Communications Commission, at least nine lives are lost every day because of distracted driving.
To help with your personal safety, especially if you drive a car, here are some tips on how to be safer on the road in 2020.
1. Ensure that you are healthy and fit to drive.
Driving needs a lot of concentration and coordination. To avoid missing cues, having regular eye and ear check-ups are important. Those with lifestyle diseases should not miss their maintenance medications. According to experts in Ritecare auto clinic in Hialeah, not all road accidents are caused by reckless and irresponsible driving. Some also happen as a result of cardiac arrest or stroke.
2. Resist the urge to use your cellphone when driving.
With technology becoming a vital part of day-to-day living, it’s easy to not be mindful of the negative impact of cellphone use. In some states, it is actually illegal to text and drive. The NHTSA also warns that drivers who take their eyes off the road for 5 seconds to send messages are taking a lot of risks as this is similar to driving with your eyes closed.
3. Remain attentive and focused.
But distracted driving isn’t just about talking or texting on the phone and driving. It is also about not giving the road your full attention while at the wheel. If you’re driving, you should also resist eating, putting on makeup or fiddling with the radio. If you need to set your GPS on the dashboard screen, don’t do it while on the move. Pullover to the side of the road before charting your next destination.
4. Be aware of your speed and distance.
Speeding remains the number one reason for crashes on the road, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics. It is always better to be a law-abiding driver and follow the road speed limits and adjust accordingly when you’re traveling on different destinations. This isn’t just for your own safety but also for the safety of the people riding with you, the other cars on the road, the pedestrians you could hit, and the properties you may damage when you speed.
Also, keep a safe distance between you and the car in front of you, especially on the interstate. You could risk crashing into the car if the person in front suddenly hits the breaks.
5. Take a break if you’re driving long distances.
It’s always better to stop and take breaks when you’re driving long distances. If you’re feeling sleepy or tired, don’t try to brush this off by rolling down the windows or playing music to keep you awake. Find a safe location to pull over and rest or ask to switch drivers if you are driving with a group. Give your body and mind a chance to recover from the tiredness.
Learn more about Ritecare auto clinic in Hialeah
If you have been involved in an auto accident, we strongly encourage you to visit Ritecare medical center in Hialeah for a thorough medical evaluation. 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.
