A major cause of road accidents is driver error. According to the National Safety Council, approximately 30% of all road accidents are caused by drivers not adhering to standard driving practices. And these accidents tend to be fatal. The good news is that there are things you can do to stay safe on the highway, including reading up on road safety tips, driving defensively, and taking preventative measures for potential hazards, and learning where to buy road safety equipment. Here’s everything you need to know about highway safety.
1. Traffic Signs and Markings
The best way to stay safe on the highway is to pay attention to the signs and markings and drive defensively. This includes the following:
- Don’t drive faster than the speed limit, even if you’re in a hurry. This is a common cause of accidents.
- Obey traffic signs and traffic control devices, including stop signs, red lights, and yellow lights.
- Don’t tailgate. Tailgating is the practice of following too closely, which can endanger everyone on the highway. It’s also dangerous because you’re not being able to see what’s ahead of you.
- Be aware of blind spots. You may not be able to see a vehicle in your blind spot.
2. Visibility and Light Signals
Driving at night is extremely dangerous. Visibility is reduced, and light signals may not be visible. Your car’s headlights are your best source of visibility, and they should be on while you are driving. If they aren’t, you may be liable for an accident. Light signals are used to maintain or change direction, but they’re not in place to control highway traffic. They don’t matter if you’re on a two-lane road that’s not connected to the interstate.
3. Highway Courtesy and Road Safety
When driving on the highway, be polite and courteous. Don’t tailgate, speed, or drive erratically. Keep your hands on the steering wheel at all times, and maintain a safe distance from the car ahead of you. Don’t honk your horn if you’re following someone who’s driving slowly, and make sure your child is seated in a car seat or in a child’s booster seat. Safety is all about staying alert. Stay awake and pay attention while you’re driving. If you’re feeling drowsy, pull over to a safe place and close your eyes for a few minutes.
4. Hands-Free Phone and Bluetooth Headset Use
Using a hands-free device while driving is illegal. It isn’t dangerous—it’s deadly. When you’re on the highway, you have to be able to react to hazards quickly. Your mind needs to be on the road, not on your phone. You should also use your phone sparingly while you’re behind the wheel. Read emails, respond to texts, or check social media while driving, but don’t make phone calls or use apps while you’re driving. This will keep you safe.
Bottom Line
The best way to stay safe on the highway is to pay attention to the signs and markings and drive defensively. Remember, don’t drive faster than the speed limit, even if you’re in a hurry because this is a common cause of accidents. Furthermore, always ensure that you invest in the right road safety equipment.
