When driving, you can’t always predict what might happen: you may experience sudden engine failure, other drivers on the road performing unsafe maneuvers, or a vital part that you put off repairing finally breaks. Whatever the case, there is always something you can do about it, either with the action that you take before an accident or what you do after. Keep in mind some vehicle safety tips you need to know to give yourself the best chance to eliminate the potential danger.
Proactive Measures
Proactive methods include you taking steps to decrease the odds of experiencing problems before they occur. Always hop into your car knowing you’re able to drive and your vehicle is safe to operate.
Regular Vehicle Maintenance
Take your car in for inspections and repairs on a routine basis. Have a set schedule of when to visit the mechanic to give your vehicle a once-over, ensuring that it’s still in the best possible condition. If you know that it needs repair work done, don’t hold off for later; always address problems as they come up. Putting them off can result in components breaking while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Proper Driving Tactics
Generally, most people go a little over the speed limit, and that’s fine; however, going 15 or more miles over significantly raises the likelihood of an accident. When you get behind the wheel, always adhere to safe driving speeds, use your turn signals when changing lanes, and observe your surroundings before switching lanes or making turns.
Adapt To Changing Driving Conditions
You may travel down a two-lane stretch of road that quickly reduces to a single lane, or the weather may change, turning dry roads slick with rainwater. You need to acknowledge these conditions and adjust your driving accordingly, whether that’s slowing down due to fog or driving through a road under construction more cautiously.
Reactive Measures
Reactive measures are the steps you take after an accident occurs. You can’t always control the circumstances that lead to an accident, but you still need to know what to do in less-than-ideal situations.
Roadside Emergency Kit
It’s always to your benefit to prepare for the worst-case scenario. Knowing how to prepare for a vehicle breakdown can save you time and frustration when solving the situation. Having an emergency kit can mean having roadside flares, extra food and water rations, a spare change of clothes, or the tools to change your tire if the need arises.
Call the Authorities
After a serious collision, you need to contact the non-emergency number of the local police to report the accident. Take pictures of your car and the accident area for future reference and wait for the police to arrive before telling them what happened.
Protect Yourself and Others
Remembering these vehicle safety tips that you need to know will keep you from making momentary mistakes that can result in long-term consequences. Pay attention to how you’re driving, how others act on the road, and constantly changing conditions.
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