Car accidents are unfortunate on our roads today, with thousands of collisions occurring annually. As reported by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), over 42,000 people died in 2022 from a car accident. Fast-forward to one and a half years later, and things are not looking better.
According to the National Safety Council, the number of deaths caused by car crashes for April this year was estimated to be around 3,400.
While many of these estimated crashes are unavoidable, some are influenced by factors within our control. Understanding these factors is essential to protecting yourself and your loved ones when driving.
Distracted Driving
This is almost a common habit for many drivers nowadays. They believe they can multitask, so they ignorantly put themselves and their passengers at risk.
And No, this is not just about texting and driving; any activity that takes your concentration away from the road can be potentially dangerous and classified as a “distraction.” This includes eating, adjusting the radio, using GPS navigation, or even engaging in intense conversations with passengers.
When driving, your primary focus should be on the road and your surroundings. Every minute you glance at your phone or reach for something in the passenger seat, you’re taking your eyes off the road. Even a few seconds of that can be fatal.
So, to protect yourself, consciously remove (or plan for) anything that can distract you before you start your journey. Set your GPS destination before moving, put your phone on silent, or use a do-not-disturb feature, and if you need to attend to anything that can’t wait, pull over safely to handle it.
Driving While Drunk
Drunk driving is a big issue among young drivers in the U.S., and the results are certainly not what you’d imagine. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), car crashes due to drunk driving are the leading cause of death for many young adults aged 15 to 20.
In fact, in 2022, over 30% of the young drivers killed in a car accident had BACs of .01 g/dL or higher, which is alarming. Given these stats, it’s essential to address some common misconceptions.
First, if you’re drunk, you should have no business driving a vehicle yourself. It doesn’t matter if where you are moving to is nearby or miles away; leave your car behind and order an Uber or call a friend to pick you up. Secondly, if you know you’re going to a party and plan to enjoy some drinks with friends, you must plan for a designated driver.
It’s the least you can do to protect your life and prevent it from being ruined because if you’re caught drunk driving, you may lose your license, get jailed, or pay a fine. All these don’t look good on your records, especially if you plan on getting a scholarship or sponsorship later in life. So, be careful!
Driving Under the Influence of Drugs
Many drivers miscalculate the impact that drugs can have on their consciousness, especially when it’s a prescribed medication. We’re talking about meds like painkillers, anti-anxiety drugs, and even some over-the-counter allergy medicines. These drugs can induce sleepiness, dizziness, and poor judgment, which, in turn, affect your driving capability.
This is why it’s essential to read the labels on your medications carefully and understand their potential side effects. If a medication warns against operating heavy machinery, then obey its instructions and avoid driving a car.
According to Casey Law Office, a reputable car crash Milwaukee attorney, Wisconsin, driving under the influence of prescriptions is not only risky but also illegal in many jurisdictions. The consequences can be just as severe as those for drunk driving.
So, if you’re taking a new medication, give yourself time to understand how it affects you before riding a vehicle. It’s better to err on the side of caution and find alternative transportation than to be involved in an accident, face DUI charges, or sustain injuries.
Not Using a Seatbelt
This car feature is one of the most effective ways to reduce your chances of injury or death in a car accident. Yet, despite being a legal requirement in most places and the overwhelming evidence of their effectiveness, many drivers still choose not to buckle up.
You’re not just putting yourself at risk when you don’t wear a seat belt; you’re endangering everyone else in that car.
In a crash, an unrestrained passenger can become a projectile, potentially injuring or killing others in the vehicle. Even if you consider yourself a safe driver, you can’t control the actions of others on the road. Wearing a seat belt is your best defense against reckless or impaired drivers.
So, make it a habit to buckle up every time you get in a car, no matter how short the trip. Encourage your passengers to do the same. If you’re a parent, set a great example for your kids by always wearing your seat belt and insisting they do.
Wrapping Up
Driving safely is simply applying these tips whenever you are driving a car. In doing so, you’ll be protecting lives—including your own.