We’ve all been there – rushing to get somewhere, distracted by someone else in the car, frustrated by another driver. Distractions in motor vehicles happen, and they can cause you to engage in unsafe driving practices. But, these issues can be prevented by focusing on safe driving. Here are five ways to do just that.

Safe Driving Tips

1. Leave earlier for work, school, and other events. Knowing that you have to be somewhere important at a certain time might cause you to drive slightly faster, and maybe disregard the speed limits posted. Leaving earlier than you normally leave will give you more ease in driving the speed limit and not subconsciously speeding to get somewhere.
2. Install a dash cam in your car. Having a dash cam in your car will give you the assurance while driving that if you were to get pulled over or get into an accident, there is proof of everything that happened. This is especially important for insurance and liability claims if you ever need to file them. This may also help you to avoid speeding, and other reckless driving, because you know that there is film of it. A dash cam may also be helpful if you witness an accident, because those involved in the accident will now have it on video to use in their claims or trials.
3. Using cruise control has its benefits for driving, especially on long car rides. Some advantages of cruise control are that it increases fuel efficiency and prevents drivers from subconsciously speeding. When using cruise control, be mindful of turning around curves that require you to slow down, and driving in conditions where the terrain may change, such as wet, slick roads or dirt roads.
4. Use bluetooth in your car to answer calls. If your car has this function, using bluetooth is probably the safest way to take calls when driving, because it completely eliminates the need to pick up your phone, or touch any buttons on your phone. We are all busy, and it is understandable that most of us need to take a call while driving from time-to-time. If this occurs, answering the phone through bluetooth on your car is much safer than digging around for your phone, picking it up, and looking for buttons to answer the phone and put the phone on speaker. But keep in mind that drivers under the age of 18 cannot use their cell phones at all, even if they are using bluetooth in the car or a hands-free speaker.
5. Stay on top of your tires’ tread. According to a National Center for Statistics and Analysis study, 26.2% of car crashes involve vehicles with insufficient tread on its tires. Tires with insufficient treads can lead to an increased risk of hydroplaning, increased risk slipping on snow and ice, unsafe heat buildup, faster loss of air pressure in the tires, and increased risk of sudden blowouts. Tires should be rotated every six months or 7,500 miles, and should be replaced when the tread depth falls under 1/16th of an inch.

Getting Help

If you have received a traffic ticket for speeding or texting while driving, or you have been in a car accident, give us a call at 203-567-6474 to speak with someone about your situation. We can get you on the phone with an attorney to answer your questions, and get you a quote quickly.