General Traffic Safety

With so many people on the roads today, we need to be alert while on the road. In 2013, South Carolina alone had 719 fatal automobile crashes, and many more that were non-fatal. We can lower this number if we obey traffic laws and use these simple traffic safety tips:

• Practice defensive driving. Defensive driving incorporates tips such as maintaining a safe distance and not speeding, but remaining calm in the face of frustrating traffic issues is another major part of the concept. Accept small delays, such as staying in line behind a slower car instead of abruptly changing lanes. Yield to other cars, even if you technically have the right-of-way. Using these defensive tips will help keep you safe while driving.
• Keep your vehicle safe and maintained. Make sure your vehicle is in working order. Always check oil, headlights, engine, and tires. If you keep your vehicle maintained it can keep you safe on the road.
• Be extra cautious in extreme weather. Even though we live in the South and we don’t get snow, we get ice. Icy roads cause many slick accidents that can be prevented if we take extra care on these roads. Same with large rainstorms, if we go slow and watch our surroundings, we can drive safely to our destination.
• Wear your seat belt. It is a law. If you are caught not wearing your seat belt you will get pulled over and given a ticket. Seat belts reduce the likeliness of death in a crash by 50%.
• Don’t drive drowsy or sleepy. 20% of crashes are due to someone being tired or drowsy. Always drive alert and ready.
• Avoid distractions. Distractions like eating, drinking, smoking, and having a lot of people in the car can make it harder for you to focus on driving.
• Never drink and drive. In 2013 alone, over 10,000 people died in drunk driving related incidents.
• Follow the speed limits. Speeding increases the likely hood of an accident.

Remember, if you obey traffic laws, you can be sure to keep you and your passengers safe!