Anyone who owns a car knows that traffic runs on trust. A driver must trust that all other drivers will obey traffic laws and drive responsibly. But still, accidents do happen. It can happen because of either human error or mechanical failure. Accidents can also occur due to natural disasters like earthquakes and landslides. But unfortunately, the most prevalent cause of any road accident is human error.
Human error can be many things. These can range from rash driving, driving under the influence, lack of experience, distractions, or even tiredness. Another cause of accidents can be when you don’t know all the laws and regulations of the roads, especially if you are traveling outside your city.
Thus, it would help if you researched a bit about the traffic laws of your destination and the places that fall on the way to it. Anytime you are venturing out of the city, it is better to be prepared for the unforeseen.
Follow these tips to avoid car accidents when traveling outside the city:
Table of Contents
1. Know all the signs
There are too many traffic signs for you to keep track of all of them. Thus, you have just been aware of those few you encounter daily. Traffic signs like “NO ENTRY,” “STOP,” “BEND,” etc. are some signs that most people know. But some signs are location specific, like those denoting essential institutions and landmark buildings.
Again, there are particular signs for landslide-prone areas, rock-fall-prone areas, etc., that you will find only when traveling through the mountains. As a driver, you will be putting yourself and others at risk if you are unaware of these signs and what they mean.
2. Check your vehicle
It would help if you always got your car checked every couple of months, as it prevents any mechanical issues from deteriorating over time and saves you money. Additionally, because of regular maintenance, you can avoid a sudden car breakdown in an unknown area. Cars without proper care can also cause accidents.
You must ensure that your brakes, engine, tires, headlights, steering wheel, etc., are all functioning well. If any of these malfunctions, your life can be in danger on the roads, especially if you drive on the highways.
3. Be aware of weather conditions
You must not drive your car if the weather conditions are poor. Driving through heavy rain in your city is one thing, but going to an unfamiliar city is risky. You will not know if there is an open drain on your way if the roads are flooded. Also, there is a risk of pitfalls and electrocution.
Bad weather conditions in another city may include fog or sleet on the road. Even more dangerous is the black ice on the road. Drivers without the necessary experience should never drive in such conditions.
4. Avoid distractions
Traveling across long routes can be enjoyable for your family, but it is a challenging task for you as a driver. It would help if you resisted the temptation of looking at the pretty scenes around the route. Make sure that your attention remains on the road at all times.
Never try to receive any phone calls or never have a bite of a snack while driving. As in both cases, your eyes would be off the road, even if for a second, and in that second, anything can happen.
5. Plan your route
Planning is critical to stay safe on the road. Before embarking on a journey out of town, use a GPS service to plan the route to your destination. This way, you can avail yourself of the shortest route and reduce your time on the road. Also, the GPS service will tell you about all potential traffic jams or roadblocks.
By planning your route, you ensure you don’t get lost while driving. Also, you can estimate the time required to complete the journey. Thus, you won’t risk driving late at night to an unknown location.
6. Follow traffic rules
Lastly, this is something that you must do anytime you are driving a car. You must adhere to the traffic lights, the speed limits, and the traffic signs. Remember that a car license is a privilege and not a right. Anytime you flout these regulations, you are putting yourself and others at risk.
Conclusion
Finally, you must be in the right mood to drive a car. You are, after all, operating heavy machinery, and you should never do it if you are not feeling well. Follow these simple steps to avoid a significant mishap that can alter the course of your life.
Also, it is recommended to know any local lawyer in case of an accident. For instance, if you are traveling in Boulder, you must know a Boulder car accident lawyer so that he can help you out in case of an accident.
