Whether you’re heading to the beach, camping in the wilderness, or simply traveling to a nearby city for the weekend, safety is an important part of your travel. It’s crucial to be ready for unexpected events during your travels. You can never predict when something could go wrong, leaving you stranded or in need of medical care.
With so many cars on the road, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and follow traffic rules so you can enjoy your trip without worrying about any accidents. As of the third quarter of 2021, Statista estimates that there were nearly 284 million vehicles operating in the United States, making it one of the busiest nations in terms of road traffic.
With just a few simple tips, you can ensure that everyone stays safe on your next trip and come back home with great memories instead of a pile of bills from car repairs.
Table of Contents
Drive Under the Specified Speed Limit
Driving under the specified speed limit is one of the best ways to ensure you get to your destination safely.
Driving faster than the legal limit significantly increases the possibility of an accident. If you do get into an accident, driving at a higher speed will increase your chances of injury or death.
Driving at high speeds also takes its toll on your car. The engine and other components of your car deteriorate more quickly as you ride your vehicle at a higher speed. This means that over time, driving at high speed will cost you more in repairs.
Driving under speed limits becomes even more important in states like Arkansas, where fatal car accidents are constantly rising. If you’ve ever driven on Arkansas roads, you know how quickly things can go wrong when someone isn’t following traffic laws or paying attention to their surroundings.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Arkansas witnessed 126 fatalities in the first quarter of 2022, which were associated with motor vehicle traffic accidents.
The figure means that more people are dying on Arkansas roads than in most other states. Fayetteville, a city in Arkansas, is experiencing a similar kind of trend. With a surge in the number of accidents, Fayetteville has become a dangerous city for residents when it comes to driving on the roads.
For instance, a pedestrian was killed in a car accident in Fayetteville close to Exit 65 in Oct 2022. The city continues to see such incidents now and then. If you have been involved in an accident, it is always wise to hire a Fayetteville car accident lawyer to help you claim compensation for your injuries.
Wear Seat Belts
When it comes to traveling, safety is a top priority. Whether you’re in a car or just walking down the street, it’s important to take care of yourself and those around you by wearing seat belts.
Seat belts keep passengers secure and safe in their seats during sudden stops or turns. They also help protect passengers from being thrown around in the event of a crash or collision. If you are not buckled up, there are numerous ways in which you could be hurt in an accident. You may hit your head on the window or door frame, which could cause serious bleeding or even brain damage. You could also fall out of your seat when the car is moving too fast for you to stay in place.
However, if you wear a seat belt correctly with your lap over your thighs and shoulder over your hips, then there won’t be any problems. The National Center for Statistics and Analysis estimates that 91% of drivers and 90% of right-front seat passengers in the United States used seat belts in 2020.
This means that nearly everyone who drives or rides in a passenger car uses a seat belt, which is great. However, this figure also suggests that many people are not wearing seat belts, risking their and others’ lives.
Hence, even if you’re just going down the block, wearing your seatbelt is an important way for you to stay safe, and it’s something you can do for yourself and your fellow passengers every time you step into a car.
Don’t Drink and Drive
This phrase is repeated over and over again by all government agencies and other organizations, who want you to know that it is not only illegal but also very dangerous.
It’s important for you to understand the risks of drinking and driving. Drinking and driving increase the risk of getting into an accident and puts you at a higher risk of getting arrested. If you do get arrested, you may have to face penalties like paying fines and even losing your license. You may also end up having an embarrassing experience in jail or prison.
According to the predictions of MoneyGeek for 2022, roughly 10,360 fatalities from drinking under the influence (DUI) were expected in the United States. In addition, the number of fatal DUI incidents increased by 8% or 800 per year. The figures indicate that people are still not aware of how risky it is to drink and drive.
There are many reasons for this, including ignorance about how much alcohol is safe for people to consume before driving, an unwillingness to accept responsibility for their actions when you’ve had too much to drink, etc.
The best way to avoid these risks is by not drinking at all when you are planning on driving home after a night out with friends or family members. If you do drink alcohol, then take a cab or call someone else who is sober to drive you home safely.
Keeping Your Vehicle in a Healthy Condition
As we know, traveling can be fun and exciting. But it can also be difficult and stressful, especially if you have a long drive ahead of you. To enjoy and safely complete your upcoming journey, you must maintain your vehicle.
If you want to avoid breakdowns on the road, you should consider taking care of your vehicle before and during your trips. By doing so, you will protect not only your car but also yourself from any trouble that may occur when driving long distances.
Here are some ways in which you can keep your vehicle in a healthy condition so that it will last longer and give you better performance:
- Make sure that all parts are working properly by checking all fluids, such as engine oil/coolant/brake fluid/power steering fluid/wiper fluid/radiator coolant, and transmission fluid, regularly before starting a trip or buying new ones if needed.
- Always check all lights (including turn signals) regularly before starting a trip or buy new ones if needed.
- Inspect tires for damages like cuts or bulges regularly before starting a trip, or buy new ones if needed. This is very important because tires are responsible for keeping the car stable while driving on roads, so they need to be checked regularly.
Final Thoughts
While you are traveling, a lot of things could go wrong. But if you follow these safety tips, you can rest assured that you’ll be able to enjoy your trip and safeguard yourself from any potential dangers.
Whether it’s a trip to the beach or an all-inclusive vacation at a resort, there are always ways to make sure you stay safe and have a good time.
