There is nothing quite like the open road. Whether it's right around the corner or across the country, there's just something about cruising around and enjoying the fresh air, sights, and sounds.
But with that joyful experience comes a few responsibilities as well. Keeping not only you and your family/passengers safe, but everyone else on the road as well should be your top priority. This post offers a few easy ways to do just that. But first...
What to Do if You Are Involved in an Accident
To begin with, let's get the worst-case scenario out of the way. If you do have the misfortune of being in an accident, there are a few things to remember to do. First, call the police. There needs to be a record of the event and confirmation that there isn't alcohol or some other type of influence involved.
Next, you should take pictures to document the damage. You should also contact a lawyer as soon as possible. They can help with everything from medical assistance to insurance negotiations. Keeping a log from the time of the accident to the closing of the entire issue is also a good idea. Additional information about what you should do and frequently asked questions can be found on The Accident Guys Website.
The Driver's Phone Is Off Duty
We know that most people may not intend to practice poor driving habits by looking at their phones when they drive, but sometimes the temptation can just be too great. If you are expecting an important work email or a text confirming a reservation or purchase, you may not want to wait until you get to your destination to see it.
In most cases, there is nothing wrong with letting a co-rider check your device. If it's too private or you're driving alone, you can pull into a gas station or parking lot to check it, or even just off the road. If you have text to voice software, you can just play it in your Bluetooth or over the vehicle's smart system.
Utilize Road Safety Technology as Much as Possible
Nearly all vehicles today come with a number of standard safety features. In addition to that, many of them have several upgradable options. Certain vehicles have a lot of high-end safety features that come on every model, especially luxury lines.
With 360-degree cameras, lane-drift alerts, self-parallel parking, adaptive cruise control, emergency braking systems, and so many other technologies available, it is easier than ever to stay safe when driving.
Keep Up Your Maintenance and Repairs
One of the biggest causes of accidents and breaking down during trips is poor upkeep of the vehicle. People are getting worse and worse about visiting the mechanic these days. It's getting to be as bad as the dentist.
It's not that most people intentionally don't take care of their automobiles; it's just that life seems to be much busier, stressful, and expensive in the last few years. When this happens, some things get neglected. Unfortunately, vehicle maintenance and repair cannot be one of them.
Things like having the correct air levels and tread on your tires, the proper lubrication in the engine, transmission, and other systems, good brakes, functioning lights, and many others are critical to being safe on the roads.
Low tires can go flat or blowout when driving causing you to skid or spin. Bad wiper blades can reduce visibility when it's raining. Dim lights on either end can make it more difficult for other divers to see you. These are all serious safety concerns.
