Things You Can Do to Keep Yourself Safe on The Road

Despite the ever-improving technology and greater emphasis on road safety, accidents still happen. Whether minor or severe, road traffic accidents can profoundly change a person's life. Danger on any road is generated by bad drivers who speed or don't wear a seatbelt. The road is significantly more dangerous today than before the pandemic, and driving is more stressful. Mortality is constantly increasing, so it's paramount to create safe road conditions.

No matter if you're commuting or going out to do chores, driving is an integral part of your life. Getting behind the wheel is one of the most perilous things you can do. The exact traffic crash numbers for 2021 aren't available yet. What we know for sure is that Road 13 in Bristol turned out to be deadly last year. Bucks County saw a great many road traffic accidents. Safe driving can protect your life. 

UK Road Safety: What Are the New Rules for Drivers? 

Road traffic legislation is managed by the Department for Transport and enforced by the police, the Crown Prosecution Service, and the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency. The Highway Code is important for all road users, including pedestrians, cyclists, mobility scooter users, horse riders, motorcyclists, and drivers. The rules have been updated to enhance the safety of people walking, cycling, or riding horses. 

Attention must be paid to the fact that the rules are advisory, meaning that an individual can't be prosecuted for not complying with them. It's not possible to change the current situation by making decisions at the legislative level. Administrative sanctions should be considered as an alternative, and penalties should be imposed for violations of traffic rules. Most importantly, strategies and programs for improving road traffic should be implemented 

Unfortunately, It's Not Always Possible to Avoid an Accident 

Even if there are many things you can do to help prevent collisions, injuries, and damage to your car, it's not always possible to avoid an accident. Someone hits your car and drives off rapidly. You don't even get to see the licence plate number. After seeking medical attention, file a claim with the other party's insurance company. If they refuse to give you the amount you're entitled to, you can take legal action. 

Following a personal injury caused by someone else's negligence, you have the right to sue for compensation. It's more than just medical expenses and lost wages. Claims for personal injury can be made up to 3 years after you discover your injuries were connected to the accident. This is why it's a good idea to start the claims process as soon as possible. It's easier to prove the link between the accident and the injuries sustained. 

Safety Tips to Keep in Mind Next Time You're on The Road

Avoid Distractions and Stay Focused While Driving 

Using the navigation system, talking on the phone, sending a text message, and eating while driving are distractions that put your life at risk. There's a limited amount of information that you can process at a time. You're forced to shift your attention back and forth. Activities can wait until you've pulled the car over. Even if you have a built-in infotainment system, it will still cause you to fail to see other drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists. 

Refrain from using your mobile phone while driving. It's best to put it on "do not disturb" mode. Ask a passenger to programme the GPS; better yet, enter the destination before you leave home. Focus on the fact that you're driving. If you become complacent, this can lead to disaster. Spot potential trouble ahead of time, don't follow the car in front of you, and always look behind you. If you find your attention wandering, bring it back. 

Always Wear a Seatbelt

Seatbelts are uncomfortable and inconvenient to wear, so many drivers don't wear them. Maybe so, but not wearing a seatbelt increases the chances of dying in a road traffic accident. You can be thrown into a rapidly opening frontal airbag. That force can injure and even kill you. It goes without saying that you have a better chance of surviving a collision if you wear a seatbelt. Even the passenger should buckle up. Everyone riding in the car, regardless of their age, should wear a seatbelt. 

Get Lots of Rest Before Long Drives

You must plan in advance for a road trip. Given that you have a long drive ahead, it's recommended to get plenty of sleep the night before. Being fatigued can prove to be quite dangerous, and it's in no way advisable. Get at least 7 hours of sleep to build up your energy reserves. Also, take regular breaks along the way to stay fresh and alert. Stop for at least one longer break of half an hour. Stretch your legs, refuel, use the restroom, and pick up snacks. If you are tired one of the ways to have a rest is to use car laptop mount. You can listen films even while driving in the background.

Being unable to sleep is upsetting. You might need a little nudge. Ditch your devices because the light from the electronic screens impacts melatonin production. Simply put, it's harder to fall asleep. Why don't you try deep breathing? Your heart rate needs to slow down for you to sleep. Lie down with your legs straight and slightly apart, place one hand on your stomach and one on your chest, and take a breath of fresh air.

Maintain A Safe Distance on The Highway 

Following other cars too closely is a major cause of collisions. Pay close attention to the distance between you and the vehicle in front of you. Follow the 3-seconds rule. More precisely, when a car passes, you ought to be able to count at least 3 seconds before you cross the same point. If you pass too soon, you're too close to the car in front of you. The closer you are to the car in front of you, the less able to see the road ahead of you. 

All in all, everyone plays a part in road safety. Even if there's no guarantee that you can avoid a collision, it's possible to stay safe on the road.