July 1, 2011 by onstarconnects

Holiday Weekend Tips to Stay Safer on the Roads

Fireworks over cityAccording to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), July 3 and 4 are two of the most dangerous days to be on the road.(1) As the saying goes, “safe driving is no accident.”

Here are some safe driving tips from NHTSA to keep in mind over the Fourth of July weekend — and every time you get into the driver’s seat:

• Plan your trips ahead of time. Decide what time to leave and which roads to take. Try to avoid heavy traffic, poor weather and high-speed areas.

• Wear your safety belt — and wear it correctly. (It should go over your shoulder and across your lap.)

• Drive at the speed limit. It’s unsafe to drive too fast or too slow.

• Be alert! Pay attention to traffic at all times.

• Keep enough distance between you and the car in front of you.

• Be extra careful at intersections. Use your turn signals and remember to look around you for people and other cars.

• Check your blind spot when changing lanes or backing up.

• Be extra careful at train tracks. Remember to look both ways for trains.

• When you take a new medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist about side effects. Many medicines may affect your driving even when you feel fine.

• Never drink and drive.

• Never drive when you feel angry or tired. If you start to feel tired, stop your car somewhere safe. Take a break until you feel more alert.

• Never eat, drink or use a cell phone while driving.

• If you don’t see well in the dark, try not to drive at night or during storms.

Do you have any additional tips on how to stay safe on the road? Tell us in the comments.

1 According to NHTSA statistics from 2008.

 

 

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One Response to “Holiday Weekend Tips to Stay Safer on the Roads”

  1. Robert Zoulek says:

    Make sure your vehicle is ready for the open road. Check tires for correct air pressure.

    keep your eyes on everything your car is approaching. It’s easy to not see anything smaller than another car. There are many motorcycles, motor scooters and bicycles on the roads these days. One oversight and crashing into one of these vehicles will probably result in the riders death and change everyone’s life that are involved forever.

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