As we move further into the 21st century, staying safe while driving is more important than ever. With all of the new technology at our disposal, we can do a few simple things to ensure we’re always aware of our surroundings and drive safely.
This article will discuss five tips for staying safe on the roads using modern technology.
1. Have a Personal Injury Attorney Saved to Your Contacts
If you are unfortunate enough to be in an accident, having a car accident attorney saved to your contacts is always helpful. They can help you navigate the often-complex legal process and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. While we hope you never have to use this tip, it’s always better to be safe than sorry, and having a number plugged into your phone will eliminate any unnecessary stress in an accident.
2. Remember: Texts Can Wait
The first and most important tip is to remember that texts can wait. It can be tempting to want to check our phones while driving, but it’s just not worth it. Sending a text removes your eyes from the road for five seconds, and at 55mph, that’s traveling the distance of a full football field with eyes closed.
Distracted driving is one way that technology can hinder our safety if misused. Even a glance at a text message can take our attention away from the road for enough time to cause an accident. If you must use your phone while driving, pull over to a safe location first.
3. Use Built-In GPS
Most newer cars come with some form of a built-in GPS. These can be extremely helpful when navigating unfamiliar territory, and when integrated into your dashboard, they’re more convenient than on the phone.
However, paying attention to the road while using them is essential. Turn on voice guidance so you can keep up with directions without taking your eyes off the road.
If you don’t have GPS built into your car, use a phone stand to prop your phone up where it’s easily in view without looking away from the road.
4. Always Check Your Backup Camera
If your car has a backup camera, use it whenever you back up. These are great tools that can help prevent accidents. However, they should not be relied on exclusively. Always look over your shoulder, use your mirrors, and check your backup camera before backing up.
5. Utilize Luxury Safety Features
If your car has any luxury safety features, such as lane departure warnings, lane assist, or automatic braking, make sure to use them. While they’re not available on every car, they can be extremely helpful in preventing accidents if your luxury car has them.
Wrapping Up
Following these five tips can help ensure your safety on the roadways. Technology is a great tool that can help us stay safe, but we must never forget to use it responsibly. Using these recommendations, you can ensure technology works with you and not against you and keeps you (and all the other drivers) safe on the road.
