Driving is a daily responsibility, and staying safe on the road is essential. With alarming statistics about distracted driving, adopting good habits is more important than ever. Here are some practical safe driving tips to keep you and others safe.
Understand distracted driving statistics
Distracted driving leads to nearly 9 deaths and over 1,000 injuries daily in the U.S. Knowing these numbers can remind you of the importance of staying focused.
Prioritize focus and attention
When you’re behind the wheel, your main job is to drive. Avoid multitasking, like using your phone or adjusting the radio. Every second of distraction can increase your accident risk.
Keep your eyes on the road
Make a habit of scanning the road ahead and checking your mirrors. Aim to look 10 to 15 seconds ahead to give yourself time to react to anything unexpected.
Use hands-free devices
If you have to take a call, use hands-free devices. While they’re safer than handheld phones, even hands-free technology can be distracting, so keep conversations brief to maintain focus on the road.
Avoid eating and drinking while driving
Eating or drinking can distract you. If you need a snack or drink, find a safe place to stop before enjoying it.
Plan your route in advance
Take a moment to plan your route before driving. Familiarizing yourself with the roads and potential traffic can reduce stress and minimize distractions.
Stay calm and patient
Traffic can be frustrating, but staying calm helps you make better decisions and enhances road safety, especially in heavy traffic.
Limit passengers and distractions
More passengers can lead to more distractions. Encourage everyone to minimize noise and help the driver stay focused.
Keep your headlights on all the time
Experts say there is a 5-10% decrease in collisions for drivers who always have their lights on because the vehicle is more visible to other drivers. Driving with lights on all the time also means you won’t forget to turn them on in poor visibility conditions and when dusk arrives.
Follow speed limits and traffic signals
Always obey speed limits and traffic signals. Speeding is a major factor in accidents. Remember, these rules are designed to keep everyone safe on the road.
Be prepared for emergencies
Have an emergency kit in your vehicle, including a first-aid kit, flashlight, and flares. Familiarize yourself with basic emergency procedures, like changing a tire.
Don’t drive under the influence
Never drive after consuming alcohol or drugs. These substances impair your judgment and reaction times, significantly increasing the risk of accidents.
Use your turn signals
Always use your turn signals when changing lanes or making turns. This simple action helps communicate your intentions to other drivers and promotes safety.
Maintain a safe following distance
Under normal driving conditions, when the vehicle in front of you passes a fixed object like a mile marker, count “one thousand one, two one thousand, three one thousand” as you approach that same marker. Add one second to the count for each adverse driving condition, such as rain, highway glare, or fussy kids in the back seat. Remember, cars travelling at 70 mph require a complete stopping distance of approximately 490 feet—that’s 130 feet longer than an NFL field (360 feet long).
Protecting your business with the right coverage
Safe driving habits are a powerful way to prevent accidents, but having the right insurance coverage is essential for protection when incidents do happen. For example, workers’ compensation provides medical benefits and wage replacement if an employee is injured on the job, while general liability insurance covers claims of bodily injury or property damage caused by your business.
Specialized policies, like contractors insurance and manufacturing insurance, offer coverage tailored to the unique risks of those industries, ensuring that you’re fully protected whether on a job site or in production. To learn more about these and other coverages, visit the EMC Insurance loss control page.