In the United States, car accidents are the leading cause of death. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2020, there were 38,824 fatalities due to motor vehicle accidents in the United States. Of those, 847 were in Virginia.
Although this is a small number compared to other states, it is still a significant problem. You can contact a Harrisonburg car accident lawyer professional to consult such cases if necessary. Besides, this article will help you learn other ways to reduce driving risks in Virginia.
Top 5 Ways to Reduce Driving Risks in Virginia
In Virginia, as in all states, drivers must follow the rules of the road and use caution while driving. However, there are some additional risks that drivers face, such as weather conditions and road conditions. By following some simple tips, drivers can reduce their risks while driving in Virginia. Such as:
1. Always Buckle Up
One of the most important things drivers can do is to fasten their seatbelts. Seat belts help to keep occupants in their seats during a crash, which reduces the chances of being ejected from the vehicle or suffering serious injuries in a crash. Wearing a seat belt may cut the risk of harm in a car collision by as much as 65 percent.
2. Obey the Speed Limit
In Virginia, it is important to obey the posted speed limit to reduce the risk of being involved in a car accident. Speeding is one of the leading causes of accidents and fatalities on the road. The average speed limit is often 55mph in Virginia. You can help keep yourself and others safe by obeying the speed limit.
3. Don’t Drink and Drive
Alcohol is involved in about one-third of all car accident fatalities. That’s why Virginia authority has a zero-tolerance policy regarding drinking and driving. Even if you think you’re fine to drive, alcohol can impair your judgment and reaction time. Therefore, if you’re going to be drinking, make sure you have a designated driver or take public transportation to reach your destination. Besides, if you see someone who has been drinking, don’t let them get behind the wheel.
4. Avoid Distracted Driving
It includes anything that takes a driver’s attention away from the task of driving, such as talking on the phone, eating, or adjusting the radio. Therefore, resist the urge to take your eyes off the road for even a few seconds while you’re behind the wheel.
5. Safe Passing
No matter how good of a driver you are, always be aware of your surroundings at all times. This means not only paying attention to the cars around you, but also being aware of pedestrians, cyclists, and animals that could cross your path. Besides, avoid risky overtake maneuvers. Don’t attempt to pass if you can’t see the car in front of you clearly. It’s not worth the risk. Similarly, checking your mirrors regularly will help you be aware of what’s happening behind you and avoid any potential accidents.
Final Thoughts
By following the tips mentioned in this article, you can help make Virginia’s roads safer for everyone. Be a defensive driver, know the rules of the road, and be prepared for anything that might happen while driving.
