Every year many lives are lost due to road accidents. Often, the causes include driving under the influence and the lack of safety equipment. Road safety policies should be implemented, and offenders fined to ensure safe driving. Such policies include observing speed limits and driving roadworthy vehicles.
Ensure your vehicle is roadworthy:
A roadworthy vehicle meets acceptable road safety standards. Legal action should be taken against drivers whose vehicles do not comply with the standards of safe driving. For example, cracked windscreens pose a safety threat. They minimize the drivers’ visibility, thereby, increasing the risk of accidents and hence, the need to be replaced. There are auto shops in Ogden, Utah such as Grasshopper Auto Glass that offer windshield repair services at friendly prices.
Similarly, all indicators and lights must be in proper working condition for good communication with other drivers. Your car’s tires should also not be worn out. The treads should be at least 1.6mm deep. Moreover, carrying a spare tire is necessary in case of a puncture. The wheels must be of the correct size according to the manufacturer’s specifications.
Your car’s braking system should be in good condition. A good system helps you to slow down or stop to avoid collisions quickly. Brake disks should not be concave or grooved. The odometer, speedometer, and hooter of your car must also be in good working conditions. All seats should be properly fixed and fitted with operational seatbelts.
Your car’s engine compartment should be clean. Any damage, loose wiring, and leaks should be corrected. The battery should also be clean, securely fitted, and rightly clamped. The body of your car should be free from rust and damage. Driving a roadworthy vehicle ensures that your safety and that of other road users is maintained.
Driving while sober:
Driving under the influence of alcohol is a common cause of car crashes. Every year, many lives are lost in accidents arising from drunk driving. Alcohol reduces the brain’s function, impairs thinking, muscle coordination, and reasoning. Such abilities are required when driving. A drunk driver is incapable of maintaining lane position, appropriate braking, speed control, and concentration.
Aside from that, their ability to steer the vehicle properly, process information, and quickly respond to emergencies is also impaired. Such drivers are more likely to cause accidents. They should not drive. Making use of cab services when drunk is a wise decision. Moreover, one should plan their safe ride back home before the start of a party. Having a friend who does not drink as your designated driver is ideal. A driver should always be sober for proper brain function.
Car safety equipment:
Every car should have equipment that protects the passengers in the case of a collision. Such include safety belts, child safety seats, and airbags. Every passenger should wear their safety belt and ensure it is properly fastened. Seatbelts protect passengers from the risk of being ejected from the car during a crash. They, therefore, prevent serious injuries and save lives.
Airbags are stored in the dashboard and the steering wheel of your vehicle. They provide extra protection to the driver and passengers in the event of a collision. They do so by quick inflation and, thereby, act as a cushion between the passengers and the windshield, dashboard, and the steering wheel.
Moreover, your car should have an emergency safety kit. The kit should contain items like jumper cables, flashlights, a fire extinguisher, and a well-stocked first aid kit.
Conclusion:
Safety on the roads is paramount. Enforcing and implementing safety rules and policies helps to reduce road accidents. Every road user should remain vigilant when using the road to maintain topnotch safety standards.