Toyota Safety

Today's drivers are quite fortunate. Unlike their predecessors, today's drivers enjoy the benefits of advanced automotive technology that has made modern vehicles quite safe. While such technological advancements have made great strides in reducing the number of automotive accidents and related fatalities that occur each year, the fact remains that these numbers are still quite staggering. In fact, automotive accidents are the leading cause of death for people between the ages of three and 34 in the United States.

Though modern automotive safety features help decrease the chance of automotive accidents, the truth is most automotive accidents are not the consequence of vehicle failure, but rather, human error. That said, the best way to reduce the risk of being involved in a fatal automotive accident is to practice safe driving methods. Here are five driving tips that will help ensure your safety next time you venture onto the road.

Maintain Your Vehicle

While most accidents are not the result of vehicle failure, maintenance is still an important part of vehicle ownership that should not be ignored. In addition to adhering to regular safety inspections, drivers need to be vigilant about other safety concerns. For example, one of the most frequent yet avoidable maintenance problems that can lead to a crash is improper tire pressure. Simply checking your tires with a tire pressure gauge and regularly rotating your tires are great examples of preventative maintenance that can help you avoid unnecessary car accidents.

Practice Defensive Driving

Defensive driving incorporates a number of save driving methods, most of which are mentioned in this article. Perhaps the most important takeaway with defensive driving is it advocates more of a demeanor change than a physical change. Defensive drivers are cautious, vigilant and decided in their driving style. Their driving maneuvers are careful and calculated, which means defensive drivers are less likely to be involved in an accident. Adopting a defensive driving style will assuredly lessen your chances of being involved in an automotive accident.

Don't Drive Drowsy

Though there are several safety features being implemented in newer vehicle models to help combat this issue, the fact remains that drowsy driving is incredibly dangerous. A study conducted by researchers at Virginia Tech reported that 20 percent of all accidents have sleepiness as a contributing factor. [source: TheDenverChannel] The solution to this problem is simple: Get more sleep and get off the road the moment you feel groggy. Losing a few hours of driving time is nothing in comparison to losing a life as the result of a needless accident.

Don't Speed

Speeding is a major contributing factor to automotive accidents. Research has shown that for every additional mile per hour you drive, the likelihood of your being in an accident increases by four to five percent. [source: ERSO] High-speed crashes are often deadly but completely avoidable. The answer to this problem is simple: Drive slower and always adhere to speed limits.

Don't Drink and Drive

Drinking and driving is incredibly reckless. More than 30 percent of all auto accident fatalities in the United States involve drivers impaired by alcohol. Alcohol causes a number of impairments that lead to automotive accidents. Even at low blood-alcohol levels, intoxication reduces reaction time and coordination. At higher levels, alcohol causes double vision and even loss of consciousness. Drinking and driving is extremely dangerous and should be avoided at all costs.