Tips to Keep Your Car Safe

Posted on: March 1, 2023

For many of us, our cars are vital to our everyday life. Because we rely on them, it is important to keep ourselves and others safe by keeping our vehicles in top operating condition.

According to Drivers Knowledge statistics, over 90 people die in a vehicle-related accident each day in the United States. Not all car accidents are avoidable, but there are steps we can take to minimize the risk of an accident and the injuries they cause. Here are several tips to help keep your car as safe as possible for yourself and those with whom you share the road.

• Keep your car clean: Too many times, debris and clutter cause a distraction to the driver, taking their attention away from the road. Things can slide off the seat and onto the floor, finding their way under the pedals. Keeping your windshield clean helps improve visibility. Keeping the exterior of your car clean helps ensure that your lights are visible to other drivers.
• Perform regular maintenance: Having regular maintenance checkups for your car is essential to your safety. Keeping up with maintenance not only keeps you off the side of the road with a disabled vehicle but can also prevent ‘surprises’ that occur with neglected vehicles like worn tires popping or old belts melting. Regular maintenance checks not only include oil changes, but tire and brake checks, fluid top offs, and other safety checks.
• Always wear your seat belt: Seat belts are known to save you from death or serious injury — some studies show that they reduce the risk of death by almost 45 percent. Your risk of being flung out of your car in an accident when you do not wear your seat belt is 30 times greater. Always remember to put your seat belt on correctly, even if you are travelling a short distance.
• Do not drink and drive: Recent statistics show that drunk driving is responsible for about 29 deaths a day. Tipsy driving is drunk driving.
• Drive defensively: Defensive driving includes not rushing, remaining calm, and leaving enough room between yourself and other cars around you. You can also anticipate the decision of others, yield to more aggressive drivers, and always stay aware of your surroundings.
• Do not drive while drowsy: Drowsy driving is another leading cause of car accidents. Get plenty of rest the night before you drive, especially if it is a long journey. If you are planning on a long drive, try to take a rest every few hours.
• Lock your car: Always lock your doors and remove your keys from your car when you park, even if you plan on returning quickly. Never leave your car running, which makes it very easy for thieves to take your car. Always keep your windows closed, do not leave valuables out inside your car, and park in well-lit areas, especially in areas you are unfamiliar with.

Freehold Car Accident Lawyers at Ellis Law Represent Those Injured by Negligent Drivers

If you have been injured in an accident, call the Freehold car accident lawyers at Ellis Law right away. Call us at 732-308-0200 or fill out our online form for a free consultation. With our offices located in Freehold, New Jersey, we proudly serve all clients of Freehold, Asbury Park, East Brunswick, Toms River, Middletown, Jersey City, Long Branch, Neptune, Hudson County, Union County, Essex County, Middlesex County, Monmouth County, Marlboro, and Ocean County, as well as Brooklyn and New York City.