Many people have the awesome ability to get behind the wheel and get anywhere they want to go in their favorite automobile. While it’s a great convenience, some have become a bit lackadaisical when it comes to safe driving.
Technology and the busyness of life may lead people to drive distracted or to forgo necessary safety steps. The result is increased crashes and, in the worst cases, death. It’s essential to focus when you’re behind the wheel, for your safety and that of everyone around you.
Every year brings its challenges, and in 2023, there’s a lot to consider. To help you out, here are some of the most dangerous factors and trends for this year, along with how to avoid these issues and stay safe behind the wheel.
1. Driving Under the Influence
It’s sad to say, but driving under the influence continues to be one of the major reasons for car crashes, and the numbers prove it. Every year, drinking and driving is a major factor; casualties increased by 8% from 2018 to 2019 alone.
You don’t see the road, vehicles, or objects around you as clearly as you do when you’re not under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Plus, reaction time is delayed, so the habit must be avoided at all costs. If you know you’re going out to party for the night, tell a friend who can be a designated driver or call an Uber or Lyft.
2. Driving and Working
While commercial drivers are the backbone of our economy and way of life, it’s not always an easy job. Many drive long distances over several days while driving at such high speeds that any distraction can lead to a crash. In rural areas, it’s not uncommon for truck drivers to need to drive even farther to get from place to place.
That often leads them to be overworked. When they’re stuck behind the wheel for that long, it limits the amount of activity, which is bad for them. Even worse, driving during long shifts means a greater chance of falling asleep at the wheel. Doing so for even a moment can lead to a devastating crash.
Drivers who feel that their life is at risk due to long hours or required overtime need to do what’s right by talking to their employers and requesting a modification to their schedule. Those who don’t get the answers they need or are injured on the job should contact an attorney.
3. Driving in Busy Cities
In a bustling metropolis, there’s going to be more cars on the road. That means a higher likelihood of a collision or crash. So, folks in the cities must be extra vigilant when behind the wheel. It’s imperative that you always check blind spots, use turn signals, and follow the direction of all posted street signs.
Sometimes, it can be hard to see where you’re going in the dark, so stick to the speed limit and follow cars at a safe distance. While you need to watch your own back, the officials in your city may be providing extra security with technological innovations, like smart street lights. This innovation involves updating the street lights by adding cameras and wireless data transmitters.
The added devices communicate and observe the streets via machine learning programs. As a result, they learn the best times to illuminate. The cameras on the lights can also monitor the traffic. If it seems like one intersection is becoming too busy or dangerous, the lights can make the necessary modifications.
Still, regardless of the tech that arrives, you must always check your surroundings when you’re behind the wheel in the city.
4. Driving With Kids
As folks get older and become parents, they face a new vehicle risk factor: the distractions created by kids in the car. Under no circumstance should your kids be moving around the vehicle while it is in motion. Before pressuring the gas pedal, ensure that everyone is properly buckled in and small children are in the appropriate seats.
Kids are not immune from getting hurt in car crashes. According to the data from Best Online Traffic School, there were 164 deaths of teenagers who were in the car but not behind the wheel, so tell them to “click it,” or the vehicle doesn’t move.
Even if your kids are securely seated, there’s still a possibility of a crash because parents tend to turn around to look or speak to their kids. While you may get lucky sometimes, taking your eyes off the road for even a moment is incredibly dangerous. Avoid turning to look around and tell your children that you can face them when you reach your destination.
5. Unsafe Road Conditions
Sometimes, the source of a vehicle crash is out of your control, like in the case of inclement weather, potholes, dangerous road design, etc. Since people can’t often control these issues, it’s important to always follow the speed limits and remain cautious, especially when it’s not clear what’s around the next corner. Be extra careful on rural roads that can transition from pavement to gravel in a moment and cause the vehicle to lose traction.
With so many dangers arriving each year, it can seem daunting to even get behind the wheel. However, by keeping your eyes on the road, avoiding distractions, and driving at a steady pace, you can get where you’re going on time and without issue.