Driving any type of vehicle comes with immense responsibilities and potential risks. With the high rates of fatal injuries that happen on the road, it’s important to take precautions to not only protect those in the car with you, but protect yourself so you can make it home to your loved ones. Even though we cannot control the actions of others on the road, we can practice basic safe driving techniques that can make a real difference in protecting our families.
Statistics to Know About Driving Safety in Rio Rancho and Beyond
Statistics show just how important road safety precautions are. According to the World Health Organization:
- 1.24 million people die each year due to car crashes.
- Car crashes are the leading cause of death for young people, between 15 and 29 years old.
- 3 out 4 people who die in traffic crashes are men.
- 50% of traffic related fatalities are pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists.
- A 5% reduction in average speed while driving can lead to a 30% reduction in the number of fatal crashes, worldwide.
- Seat-belts reduce the risk of fatal injury by 50% in the front seat, and 75% in the back seat.
Below are potentially life-saving precautions to take while driving that could protect you and your loved ones from being injured on the road.
1. Use Seat Belts
Since seat belt use is fairly common in the 21st century, it may be easy to assume that everyone takes this basic driving precaution. In 2017 it was estimated that seat belt use saved the lives of 14,955 people in the United States. However, 37,133 individuals who died in motor vehicle crashes that same year were not wearing seatbelts.
If you are already an avid seat belt wearer, make sure all of your passengers are doing the same before you start the car. If a passenger does not see eye-to-eye on the importance, remind them that if you get into a serious accident that seat belt may be the only thing keeping them inside the vehicle during a crash. It’s also important to insist passengers wear seat belts correctly, since incorrect wear can lead to further injuries in a crash.
2. Put Your Phone on Do Not Disturb
Even the most committed supporter of avoiding texting while driving can be tempted to glance at a text or respond to a message while driving. This temptation is the reason why phone features such as “Do Not Disturb” exist. Place your phone on one of these modes and simply remove the possibility of becoming distracted. Your loved ones will be thankful you got to your destination safely.
3. Avoid Multitasking
Did you know that only 2% of the population is considered good at multitasking? For the rest of us who try to juggle more than one task at once, studies show that multitasking can reduce productivity by 40%. Losing 40% of your productivity while driving could be like losing the ability to see part of the road or press one of the pedals (especially the brake). So next time you are tempted to eat breakfast while driving to work or finish putting on your makeup, remember how likely it is that you’re missing part of what is happening on the road around you.
4. Secure Pets
Not only is it important to drive safely to make sure you come home to your loving pets, but it’s important to take safety precautions while driving with pets. For many pet owners, Fido can sit safely and calmly in the backseat with a great view of the passing world. For some pet owners, this scenario is unrealistic for their high-energy or anxious animal.
If your pet is prone to roam from the backseat to the front seat, or constantly cries while in the car, they can become a safety hazard to you and everyone else on the road. To help keep you and your pet safer, consider purchasing a crate for the backseat or have a passenger take care of your pet while driving. Doggy seat belts can also keep a pet in position while protecting them from a crash.
Have you or a loved one recently been injured in an auto accident? Are you looking for legal representation to handle your case? Contact Sanchez and Piñon, Rio Rancho’s accident and personal injury attorneys today for a free consultation. While other attorneys talk, we listen and provide a personal level of representation. We can discuss how to fight for the compensation you deserve and hold the responsible party accountable.
