The road can be a dangerous place. There are thousands of drivers and motorists that act like driving is a right instead of a privilege. Too often, news of car accidents involves drivers who weren’t paying attention to the road, driving distractedly, or unaware of the road signals. This is a testament that no matter how cautious people are in driving, especially on American highways, some drivers just aren’t that mindful.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports a 0.6% rise in traffic deaths in the first quarter of 2020 but fell 1.1% in the second quarter due to lockdown restrictions across the United States. But as businesses started opening up, the agency saw a 13.1% spike in fatalities again in July through September 2020. The agency has advised people not to drive under the influence (DUI), citing it as one of the top factors of car and traffic accidents in recent years.

Thus, it’s important to err on the side of caution and heed these road safety tips.

1. Don’t Drink And Drive

Drinking and driving are some of the most blatant causes of car and traffic accidents on the highways, endangering thousands of lives every day. In the United States, it’s against the law to drive under the influence while your blood alcohol content is at least 0.08%.

In Utica, New York, grave and devastating consequences await those who drive while intoxicated, including thousands of dollars of fines, the revocation of your driver’s license, and the devastating effect it can have on loved ones. If you’re in the area and are searching for legal counsel on DWIs and DUIs, visit here.

The next time someone intends to drink, advise them to plan their mode of transportation home first. Or, better yet, have a designated driver who won’t drink.

2. Obey The Speed Limit

Speed limits exist for a reason. It’s important for everyone to follow these limits, especially on major highways, to avoid unnecessary accidents and traffic. Most major highways indicate speed limits on major intersections and road signs.

3. Keep Your Vehicle In Check

Any responsible vehicle owner must ensure the maintenance and roadworthiness of their automobiles. A good rule is to check the water, brake fluid, and oil levels before going on any long road trips.

4. Limit Distractions While Driving

Distracted driving could lead to road accidents so it’s best to limit your distractions while driving. These distractions include extremely loud music inside the vehicle, cellphones, or a toddler who moves around the vehicle. As a responsible driver, it should be your role to minimize these distractions while you’re driving.

5. Take Short Breaks

Driving or going on a long road trip can be exhausting. Allow yourself to take short breaks between your trip so you don’t exhaust yourself when driving and end up dosing off on the wheel or fail to notice road signs. You can also arrange to have a separate driver if it’s a very long road trip.

Conclusion

When it comes to road safety, drivers should take strict precautionary measures before, during, and after they go on a road trip. Drivers should practice safety, like not drinking and driving, making sure the vehicle is roadworthy, obeying speed limits and traffic regulations, limiting distractions while driving, and taking short breaks when going on long road trips.

At the end of the day, one must remember that you have families to come home to. If anything happens on the road, the families will bear the brunt of emotional trauma, hospital costs, and legal fines. It doesn’t hurt to be cautious and careful!