Happy 2020! It’s an exciting time, a new year, a new decade has begun and there is a lot of excitement about what we have to look forward to in this new time. It’s also a great time to review those things that keep us safe. To help you start your year safely, here are our Top 10 Car Safety Tips.
The Countdown
10. Think Ahead
A great start to our countdown is to look ahead and anticipate the actions of other drivers. Obviously no one can predict the future, but you can take a look at the road and start making educated guesses. Does it look like the person ahead might be coming over into your lane? Is someone swerving all over the road? Stay alert and think ahead.
9. Watch Your Speed
It’s tempting to test the speed limit, push it a bit and hope things work out. We’ve all been there. The problem with speeding is that it reduces your window to react to potential dangers and other drivers. Getting there is more important than getting there quickly. Plus you won’t get a ticket for obeying the speed limit.
8. Stay Focused
Distracted driving is a serious cause of car accidents. In 2015, 10% of fatal car collisions and 15% of injury accidents were related to distracted drivers and those numbers are going up. Put the phone down and stay focused on the road.
7. Get Some Sleep
We’ve all been there. You’re tired and you still have things to do. Driving while tired and fatigued can be just as bad as driving drunk. Your reaction time is slower and your perception is hindered. If you’re too tired, take some time, get some rest, and get where you need to be safely.
6. Seatbelts!
This one is a classic for most people. We’ve heard it ever since we were children, but we seem to forget it as we grow up. Often we feel like we are in such a hurry that we just don’t do it. That couple of extra seconds can save you a lot of heartache though. For starters, seatbelts have been proven time and again to save lives. Second, it’s the law in South Caroline. So do yourself a favor. Buckle up.
5. Slow Down in the Storm
The Lowcountry is no stranger to severe weather. Even outside of hurricane season, coastal storms can often bring torrential rains and lots of danger on the road. From road flooding to hydroplaning, the best protection in these storms can often be slowing down or not driving at all. Taking your time will help prevent a loss of vehicle control, minimize damage, and aid you in avoiding weather-related hazards.
4. Don’t Tailgate
Right along with speeding is tailgating. Following too closely to the car in front of you reduces your ability to react to a sudden stop. There are many different rules of thumb that make the rounds when it comes to how far back you should be. Generally, the best rule of thumb to follow is to give yourself enough distance to have at least three seconds to stop safely.
3. Drive Defensively
Defensive drivers look at the road, anticipate what’s coming, and prepare for it. Those are all the things that help you avoid hazards and accidents. When you drive aggressively, you tend to get tunnel vision, only focusing on your destination. That’s when accidents happen. Take the time, be defensive.
2. Prevention vs. Cure
Your car has a lot of safety features, but they only work if you take care of them. All parts wear down. Windshield wipers make it harder to see when they decay. Brakes and tires don’t function as well when they wear down. Take the time to make sure your car is well maintained.
And our number one tip for safe driving is…
1. Don’t Drink and Drive
Between 2006 and 2016 there were over 10,000 deaths due to drunk driving. The saddest part is that these deaths are all preventable. Just don’t drink and drive. If you are going out, have a plan. Get a cab or an Uber, have a designated driver, whatever you have to do to not get behind the wheel. Save your life, and the lives of others, don’t drink and drive.
(H2) Our Best Wishes for Your New Year
Our team at Fender Mender hopes you enjoy a safe and happy start to a new year and a new decade. We are dedicated to staying up to date with the latest trends and information in the automotive space, just like we’re dedicated to the very best collision repair in the Lowcountry. If you are in need of top quality collision repair or would like to get an estimate, contact us today! We’d love to help!