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Toying with cellphones is a common culprit that keeps drivers’ eyes off the road, but it’s not the only offender. Applying makeup, searching for a dropped item or fiddling with the radio can steal your attention, too. Turn your phone off while driving and wait until you’re at your destination to touch up your look or retrieve fallen items. Being a good driver means always paying attention to stay safe on the road.
You’re not on time to an important meeting, you’re late to your doctor’s appointment or your kid is going to miss the school field trip—but no matter the reason, don’t be tempted to drive recklessly or at high speeds to improve your arrival time. Speeding was the leading cause of car accidents in 2019, according to research published in 2022 by SafeHome.org.
You can save money on fuel just by adjusting your driving style. Simple changes such as watching your speed, turning off your engine when the car is idle and using the correct fuel for your car can lead to long term savings. Also, tools like the fuel cost calculator help you estimate your gas cost from Point A to Point B.
Alcohol impairs your vision and leads to loss of judgment and slowed reaction times—all of which diminish your driving ability. SafeHome.org reports that driving under the influence accounts for 10 percent of all criminal arrests. Driving under the influence can cause your insurance to be revoked, or you can get hit with significantly higher rates. If you plan on drinking, make sure you have a designated driver or call a ride-sharing service like Uber or Lyft.
Many drivers enjoy pets as traveling companions and bring them on road trips and errands. However, unrestrained dogs can lead to added distractions for the driver and added dangers for all passengers, as well as your furry friends.
According to a survey sponsored by AAA and Kurgo Pet Products, 29 percent of respondents admit to being distracted by their dog while driving, and 65 percent have participated in at least one distracting behavior while driving with their dog, such as petting, playing and feeding them. Consider using a pet restraint system to limit your pet’s ability to distract you.
Driving while drowsy can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence. Drowsiness slows your reaction time, impairs your judgment and decreases awareness. A report by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that in a 24-hour period, drivers who miss one to two hours of the recommended seven hours of sleep nearly double their risk for a crash. Drivers who sleep slightly less—between four and five hours—have the same risk of crashing as those who are over the legal blood-alcohol limit.
You may think parking lots aren’t complicated to navigate, but they are the sites for tens of thousands of accidents every year, as reported by the National Safety Council (NSC). The organization also says that people on the phone, sending texts, checking social media or watching videos account for some of the main distractions (and bad driving habits) in parking lots.
A busy shopping area can be a danger zone for pedestrians and small children. Backing into a space is actually safer. Also be sure to use your blinker.
Good driving habits include taking care of your vehicle. Every car requires a maintenance schedule. And keep this in mind: The best time to find a reliable mechanic is before you need one. Know that you can get trusted help at a nearby AAA Approved Auto Repair facility.
A clean car makes it more enjoyable, helps you maintain a higher resale value, preserves paint and helps prevent rust. Need a little help? Here are 10 easy ways to get your car sparkling clean.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that seat belts saved nearly 15,000 lives in 2017 and in 2021, 90.4% of people actually buckled up. Seat belts can keep you from being thrown from a car and from colliding with parts of the car and other people in it. Seat belts can also keep you a safe distance from an air bag so that if it deploys it will cushion you—not injure you.
Drive safe!
Get advice on smart and safe driving habits for teens, adults and seniors.
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