Are you going to take a car trip to a remote place? Regardless of whether it is day or night, it is essential to know the dangers that may exist. If you have just bought a car and want to take maximum care of it, follow the following tips to prevent car accidents!
Plan the trip.
You may have been planning this trip for a long time. You must drive and have an approximate arrival time, which will determine the departure time. All this planning will make it easier for you to carry out the above tasks well in advance to make the trip’s start as smooth as possible.
In this sense, prepare your luggage a few days before and load the car in the hours before departure. This will avoid rushing and nervousness when starting your drive, which will undoubtedly result in a calmer and smoother drive.
Start your journey rested.
You must rest every time you drive. Especially if your trip is long, you should invest enough time to sleep and eat something light before starting. Without a doubt, this is the best plan to start driving in the most relaxed way possible. Also, avoid going out after eating heavy meals or not resting enough during the previous hours.
Check your car
One of the tasks that must be present when planning your trip is checking your car during the days before. In this way, you ensure the vehicle is in perfect condition, which will help you enjoy a ride without any crashes.
In the same way, check the levels of antifreeze, oil, and the state of the battery or the windshield. Any minor defect can cause accidents of different severity, so it is highly recommended to consider them and correct any problems.
Make stops every two hours.
If you are going to make long trips, it is highly recommended to stop every 2 hours. Stretch your legs, eliminate driving fatigue, and hydrate. You’ll return to your car with renewed energy, improving your attention on the road.
Drive sober
If you travel to an important event, such as a wedding or other commitment, you will drink alcohol. As you know, this substance can cause car accidents, injuries, and deaths.
You should take reasonable steps to operate your vehicle safely as a driver. Driving under the influence of alcohol is not cheap in any way. Not only does it endanger the people around you, but it can also result in criminal penalties.
Remember, law enforcement is on high alert to get drunk drivers off the road any time of the year, especially around the holidays and in the summer.
Avoid distractions
Distracted driving is causing an increase in road deaths across the country. At the same time, all forms of distraction are dangerous; texting and cell phone use are the most concerning when it takes place behind the wheel of a vehicle.
That’s because using your phone to read, text, or access apps requires multiple forms of attention—visual, manual, and cognitive—and can increase crash risks up to 23 times, according to the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute. Remember to avoid distractions and focus on your surroundings every time you drive.
Keep a safe distance.
Statistics show that rear-end collisions are the most common on the roads. To avoid them, follow the vehicle in front of you at a safe distance. This gives you ample time to respond when motorists stop, turn, or change lanes. This is especially important during the holidays, when more vehicles may stop and go.
Watch your speed
After the holidays and during the first few days of the year, the roads are often more crowded with cars, many of which may be operated by out-of-town drivers unfamiliar with local roads or traffic regulations, as well as drivers drunk.
Protect yourself from unexpected driving maneuvers and sudden stops by driving at a safe speed. This involves reducing your rate appropriately in various conditions, such as increased traffic, construction zones, and poor weather or road conditions.
With these eight tips to prevent car accidents, you can drive much more efficiently, avoiding possible problems behind the wheel. Apply them every time you move, especially at this time of year. We hope this information has been helpful to you. Have a good trip!
