Today, our cars are safer than ever before, and our roads are safer too, but that doesn’t mean that there are no accidents. Sadly, many drivers make the mistake of feeling safe inside their vehicles, and assuming than an accident could never happen to them. To them, a Volvo service is a waste of money because they’re convinced their car will be OK on the road. However, it pays to keep safety at the forefront of your mind when you’re driving. Here are a few tips that will make sure you don’t become an accident statistic.
1. Don’t drive drunk: Even low blood alcohol levels can impair your coordination and slow your reaction times. Don’t think in terms of a legal limit; if you’ve had anything at all to drink, just don’t drive.
2. Stick to the speed limit: They say “speed kills”, and it’s true. Every mile per hour faster you drive increases the likelihood of your being in an accident by four to five percent, and the faster you’re driving, the lower the chances of the people involved in the accident surviving.
3. Put away your phone: texting and talking while you’re on the phone can impair your reaction times by as much as 20 percent.
4. Take a break: don’t drive while drowsy. If you didn’t sleep well last night, take public transport to work. If you’re feeling groggy and you’re already behind the wheel, stop and take a break.
5. Fasten your seat belt: While most drivers do wear seat belts these days, it’s still common for younger passengers to not want to put them on. A recent study found that 70 percent of fatal crash victims aged between 13 and 15 were not wearing their seat belt. Buckling up could save your life.
6. Bad weather needs extra attention: Rain, fog, snow, and ice all require extra caution. Slow down if necessary, and maintain extra space between you and the vehicle in front. It’s better to arrive a few minutes late because of the snow, than to not reach your destination at all.
7. Follow the three second rule: the extra breaking distance between you and the car in front could buy you the time you need to respond if there’s an accident.
8. Learn defensive driving: Many driving schools offer short courses for experienced drivers. Take one to learn how to handle skids, bad weather, and aggressive road users. You’ll be glad you did.
9. Look after your car: a few minutes checking your tyres, fluid levels, and other basics and fixing any problems you spot, will save you a lot of lost time by preventing break downs while you’re on the road.
10. Get your car serviced: The money you pay will be a great investment. A service will identify possible safety issues before they become dangerous, and will prolong the life of your car, saving you money in the long run too.
This article was written by Amy Fowler on behalf of Main Dealer Discount, who offer access to discounted Volvo servicing and Land Rover servicing as well as other makes of vehicle..