Key Takeaways:
- Wearing a seatbelt is the most crucial thing you can do to stay safe while driving.
- Drive within the speed limit and don’t drive impaired to avoid accidents.
- Obey all traffic laws and signs, be a defensive driver, and leave plenty of space between you & the car in front of you.
- Follow these road safety tips to help keep yourself and others safe on the roads.
According to a survey by NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), around 42,915 deaths resulted from traffic accidents in 2019, which is 10.5% more than the 38,824 fatalities in 2020.
When it comes to road safety, there are many things that motorists need to remember.
But by taking some simple precautions, we can make our roads safe for everyone. This blog post will look at some critical things to include in your road safety plan.
Safety Precautions to Take
1. Wear Your Seatbelt
Seatbelts are designed to keep you safe in a collision by keeping you securely in your seat. Wearing a seatbelt can help to prevent serious injuries or even death in a crash.
2. Drive Within The Speed Limit
When you drive over the speed limit, you may easily lose control of your vehicle or be involved in a collision. Additionally, speeding makes it somewhat difficult to stop suddenly in an emergency. For these reasons, driving at or below the posted speed limit is always recommended.
3. Don’t Drive Impaired
Driving while impaired (under the influence of drugs or alcohol) is extremely dangerous and is one of the leading causes of accidents and fatalities on the road. If you are inebriated, have a designated driver who will not be drinking. Check with your GP if you are taking medication that could impair your driving ability.
4. Obey Traffic Laws and Signs
Traffic laws and signs are put in place for a reason – to help keep everyone safe on the road. Disobeying them can result in accidents, injuries, and even fatalities. Always obey the speed limit, yield when appropriate, and come to a complete stop at stop signs & red lights.
5. Be a Defensive Driver
Defensive driving is about being aware of your surroundings and other road drivers and ensuring you are prepared for anything. Always look for potential hazards, and give yourself plenty of space between yourself and other vehicles. If someone is driving erratically, do not attempt to pass them – let them go and report their license plate number to the authorities if possible.
6. Avoid Distractions
Distracted driving increases the chances of accidents, yet so many people do it daily. Eating, drinking, talking on the phone, messing with the radio, and even rubbernecking are all common distractions that take your attention away from the road. Pull over to a safe location if you must do something that takes your focus off driving.
7. Leave Plenty of Distance – Don’t Tailgate
Tailgating is not only rude, but it’s also dangerous. If the car in front of you has to stop suddenly, you could rear-end them, causing serious damage and injuries. Leave at least two seconds of space between you & the car in front of you so that you have time to brake if necessary.
8. Stay Alert and Rested
Fatigue is a major cause of accidents, so it’s important to ensure you’re well-rested before getting behind the wheel. If you’re feeling drowsy, pull over and take a nap or switch drivers if possible.
9. Be Aware Of Your Surroundings
Being aware of your surroundings can help you stay safe on the road. This means paying attention to other vehicles, pedestrians, and potential hazards on the road. By being aware of your surroundings, you can help to avoid potential accidents.
Some groups that need to take extra care on the roads include:
- Elderly drivers
- New drivers
- Drivers with medical conditions
- Parents with young children
10. Follow The Rules Of The Road
Road safety rules exist for a reason, and following them can help to keep everyone safe on the roadways. Some of the most important rules include obeying traffic signals and signs, yield signs, and speed limits.
What Needs to Be Added to a Road Safety Plan While Construction?
While the road plan is being made, you must add the following!
- Installing guard rails
- Handrails
- Proper Signage
- Crash Attenuator
It’s crucial to install guard rails. Guard rails protect vehicles from veering off the road and into oncoming traffic or hazards. They can also help protect pedestrians from being hit by a car.
Related: Are you choosing the right guardrail?
Another important safety precaution is to install handrails along the sides of roads. Handrails can provide a physical barrier between pedestrians and oncoming traffic. They can also help people maintain their balance while walking along the route.
Of course, no road safety plan would be complete without proper signage. Signs are essential for warning drivers of potential hazards and directing them to safe areas.
Lastly – a crash attenuator. It is a device designed to absorb a collision’s force. Crash attenuators are often used in conjunction with guard rails to provide an extra layer of protection for vehicles and pedestrians. Including a crash attenuator in your road safety plan can help reduce the severity of road accidents.
Conclusion
Road safety is essential to preventing accidents and saving lives. Many proven road safety measures can be taken to make sure everyone stays safe. These include guard rails, handrails, signage, crash attenuators, and more. Taking these precautions can help reduce the number of road accidents and make our roads safer for everyone.
Florida Roadway Guardrail & Signs, Inc. is the best company to call for all your guard rail, handrail, signage, and crash attenuator needs!
We provide several services in Fort Lauderdale that are essential to keep you safe on the road. Our guard rails and handrails are top-of-the-line and made to last, and our signage is always up-to-date with the latest traffic laws.
Whether you need a new guardrail or handrail installed or you need some new signs to help keep you safe, we’ve got you covered.
