It’s that time of year when road safety tips are even more important than ever. Christmas season is here and many of you are probably planning to go home for the holidays. It’s great to finally celebrate Christmas with the rest of the family after months or even years of not seeing each other, right?
However, a treacherous one the road towards Christmas cheers is, my Padawan. That’s because there’s a supposed increase in road accidents come December.
One of the main reasons blamed for the increase is that the volume of vehicles on the road goes up during this period. As such, you should expect lots of fellow road travelers at this time of the year. Simply put, the more vehicles are on the road, the higher the risks of accidents.
Not only that, there are parties left and right during the season and lots of people who drive home from such merriment may have had a little too much to drink. As we all know, drinking and driving don’t mix.
People also have to deal with the added stress of the season. The pressure of coming up with the means to buy gifts and food for a Christmas feast may take a toll on someone. And if that distracted someone gets behind the wheel, they’re not only endangering their lives but others, as well.
An estimated 1.35 million people die from vehicular accidents each year. Another 20 to 50 million are injured from such road mishaps. If you wish not to be part of these exclusive groups, you better take these road safety tips seriously.
Car Maintenance
Some of you may argue that maintaining your car is too expensive. Others may be too busy or lazy to take your car for a check-up. Again, if you value your life, you better make sure your car is on tiptop shape.
Check your oil always. Makes sure it’s at the right level. Top off if necessary. A well-oiled machine will not conk out on you.
Your tires are pretty important. Check the tire pressure regularly. Tires that are over or under inflated are more likely to blow out. You should also replace bald tires.
Change oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, air filter every 12,000 miles, and rotate your tires every 5,000 to 10,000 miles. Brake pads have to be replaced every 20.000 miles while you need a new fuel filter after 40,000 miles.
Other road safety tips are so simple that some of you often overlook them. Such as keeping your windshield and windows clean. You can’t see clearly through a dirty windshield. Also, keep the inside of your vehicle clean and free of garbage. An empty beer can may prevent you from stepping on the brakes when you need it most.
Don’t Drink and Drive
We’ve already mentioned this but you’d be surprised how many people still do this. If you’re going to have a drink, make sure someone in the group will not so he or she can do the driving. If you’re drinking alone, leave the car at home or office and take the cab. Brought your car to the bar or club? Leave it there and take a cab.
Observe Traffic Rules
Even if you’re in a hurry, you should follow the speed limit. If the vehicle in front of you is too slow, wait until it’s allowed to overtake. Always overtake on the right unless the vehicle in front of you is slow turning to the right.
Check your mirrors, blind spots, as well as the opposite lane. If it’s clear and safe to overtake, signal before making your move.
Don’t Drive When Distracted
Aside from being intoxicated, the most dangerous situation to be in while driving is to be distracted. If you’re driving, Put down your phone. Whatever it is, you can wait until you’ve stopped before checking your phone. Find a place where you can pullover if the call or notification is really that important. Avoid eating or drinking while driving. Pull over if you’re really that hungry or thirsty.
Stop When Sleepy or Drowsy
Another one of the many road safety tips that you really should pay attention to is to stop when you’re drowsy or sleepy. Falling asleep on the wheel is obviously a huge no-no. If you haven’t slept a wink, just don’t drive. If you really have to leave, have someone drive or pick you up. Insisting to drive while sleepy is simply an accident waiting to happen.
Drive Defensively
Always be wary of everything that is happening around you. This includes what the other drivers are doing. There will always be someone driving erratically, speeding, or just being plain stupid.
Wear Safety Belt
It doesn’t matter if you’re driving fast or slow, you must always wear your seatbelt. The same goes with all your passengers. If you have a baby, make sure she’s in a baby car seat.
Car Emergency Kit
You must be ready for anything. Make sure you always have a car emergency kit, a set of car tools, food and water for both you and your car.
Your emergency kit should come with all the gear or equipment you’d possibly need in an emergency. This includes items that will help you survive in case you’re stranded due to a winter storm such as extra clothes, poncho, wool blanket, and a thermal blanket.
Avoid keeping a can of fuel in your trunk. Eve an empty gas can is still capable of emitting fumes, which are deadly for the passenger when inhaled.
A little bit of fuel in the can may also cause an explosion. If it’s really necessary to pack extra fuel, like when you’re traveling along a place where gas stations are rare, make sure you tie the can upright it your roof rack where it is properly ventilated. Also, keep the lid tightly sealed.
These are by no means the only road safety tips that you should follow to steer clear of accidents. And if by some unfortunate turn of events that you are involved in a road mishap, you must stay as calm as possible. See if you or any of your passengers are injured. If the accident involved another vehicle, check on its passengers next. You should then call for emergency assistance and wait until they arrive.
Check out The Gentleman Pirate for more useful tips on staying safe while on the road. Such road safety tips will certainly come in handy when you drive for a living. Whether you drive a cab or a badass rig, or even if you are paid to drive a new car via Free Car Solution, you should put priority on safety. Besides, the best part of driving is getting home safe.
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