7 Situations When Proper Planning Can Prevent Car Accidents
August 18, 2015 | in Defensive Driving Online, Defensive Driving Tips, Distracted Driving
There are millions of accidents every year on American roads, many of which are not preventable. However, there are a good amount of fender benders–and even more serious accidents–each year that would have been prevented if the drivers involved had taken the necessary precautions before setting off in their car. Here are some of the crucial ways in which proper planning can prevent car accidents.
planning the route before you set off
While it is wonderful that we now have free navigation devices in our pockets, looking at them and finding new routes while driving is extremely dangerous. Mapping out a route before you set off somewhere unfamiliar may seem like a practice right out of the stone age, but it will prevent you from driving distracted, and could save your life.
planning for more than one driver
If you are heading off on a road trip, a lot of planning should go into it, but one thing that you may not have considered might just save you from being involved in a car accident. Drowsy driving causes an increasing number of accidents each year, so if you are driving with others, try to organize a rotation system, so that the burden of driving for long hours is not on one person alone.
eating before you leave
When you think of distracted driving, you probably think of talking on the phone, texting, or even doing makeup, but eating while driving is also dangerous. Properly planning out your day to allow enough time for eating is more essential than you may think.
proper sleep at night
And the same goes for sleep. As mentioned, drowsy driving is dangerous, so if you commute to work every day, try to prioritize getting enough sleep each night.
finishing text conversations
Distracted driving has become one of the main issues endangering drivers today, especially teens. There are a number of ways to prevent this, but the best thing to do is to stop it before it even happens. Many Americans are literally addicted to checking their phones for notifications, so giving yourself a reminder (like a red thumb) can save a life.
proper car maintenance
You are only as safe as the car you drive. And making sure that your car is safe to drive is something that only can do, before you set off on any long journeys. Checking your tire pressure, tread, and oil, are all things that will save you from potential flat tires, or having to pull over in dangerous situations.
having a designated driver
Drunk driving is still a serious problem in the United States. And most of it could be avoided through proper planning. Either by assigning a designated driver, or even scheduling a taxi or rideshare service before you set out for a night out, you could save a lot of lives, or even just a nasty car accident.
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