Attention all Overland Park drivers! Your safety means the world to us here at Keeton Auto Repair, which is why we service and repair for foreign and domestic vehicles to ensure that they are continually operating as they should be. In addition, here are some driver safety tips to help you stay safe on the road.
Buckle Up
A recent study provided a surprising conclusion: one in six drivers do not buckle up. Forty percent of accident deaths every year could be avoided if the victims wore their seatbelts. Wearing your seatbelt is required by law and keeps you safer in the event of an accident.
No Distractions
Avoid distractions while you are driving. This includes turning off your cell phone, so you aren’t tempted to check your text messages or talk on it. Even talking hands-free can be a driving distraction, and distracted driving is the number one cause of accidents in the United States.
Obey Speed Limits
Speed limits consider road conditions and are set for optimal safety based on those conditions. Going above posted speed limits puts you at risk of losing control of your car. Stay within the speed limits posted for trucks to ensure you maintain optimal control.
No Alcohol
It’s tempting to relax with a beer after a long day of work, but avoiding alcohol is crucial to your safety. Avoiding recreational drugs is also crucial. Even one beer can affect your ability to drive and make you less aware of what’s going on around you on the way home.
Plan
Even if you drive the same way to work every day, always check for hiccups such as road construction, road closures, and inclement weather. Come up with backup routes in the event that you need them should your primary way have a problem.
Keep Your Distance
You can’t control the drivers around you, but you can manage your own driving. Make sure to keep plenty of space between you and the vehicles in front of you. If you have a driver that is tailgating you, switch lanes to avoid a possible rear-end collision.
Turn Slowly
Take your time making turns and going around curves. This is especially important if you’re driving in inclement weather. One of the quickest ways to lose control of your vehicle is to go around a curve too quickly. Slow down when you make turns and navigate curves.
Mind the Weather
If you get stuck in inclement weather, pull over and wait it out if it is severe. It’s not worth getting into an accident by continuing to drive in extreme weather. Instead, find a safe place to stop and wait until the storm subsides.
Finally, make sure that your vehicle is always road-ready with the proper inspections and maintenance services. We can help you with that here at Keeton Automotive in Overland Park KS.
