Each year, over six million car accidents occur on U.S. roads, killing over 37,000 people and injuring more than 2.5 million. Despite these staggering statistics, there are a number of things that each of us can do to help prevent these deaths.
First and foremost, always wear your seatbelt. Seatbelts are one of the most effective ways to prevent serious injury or death in the event of an accident. In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), seatbelts saved an estimated 14,668 lives in 2017 alone.
In addition to wearing a seatbelt, always obey the speed limit and practice defensive driving. Speeding is a leading cause of car accidents, so it’s important to always obey the posted speed limit. And, when behind the wheel, always be on the lookout for potential hazards. This means not only paying attention to the cars around you, but also being aware of things like pedestrians, animals, and road construction.
If you’re a parent, it’s also important to set a good example for your kids by always following the rules of the road. And, if you have teenage drivers in your household, be sure to set strict rules about things like speeding, texting while driving, and drinking and driving.
Finally, if you’re ever in an accident, don’t hesitate to call 911. Even if it seems like a minor fender bender, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and let the professionals handle it.
By following these simple tips, we can all help make our roads safer and help prevent car accidents and fatalities.