By Len Jorge

Staying safe on the road is critical for both drivers and pedestrians. You can adopt several strategies and best practices to stay safe on the road. These will help reduce the risk of becoming a victim, whether behind the wheel, on a bicycle, or walking. Here are some tips to protect yourself while on the road:

Stay Alert and Focused

• Avoid distractions: Never use your phone or engage in other activities while driving.
• Watch for other drivers: Stay aware of what’s happening around you. Look out for aggressive drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and animals.

Defensive Driving

• Keep a safe distance: Always leave enough space between your car and others, especially in bad weather or heavy traffic.
• Follow Speed Limits: Speeding reduces your reaction time and increases the severity of accidents. Stick to posted speed limits.
• Stop for Pedestrians: Always yield to pedestrians at crosswalks and stop for them at intersections.
• Signal Your Intentions: Use turn signals when changing lanes or turning to let others know your next move.
• Stop at Red Lights and Stop Signs: Avoid running red lights or rolling through stop signs. It might seem like a small shortcut, but it can cause a devastating crash.  
• Be predictable: Avoid sudden movements, like sharp turns or braking without warning, which can confuse other drivers.

Use Safety Features Properly

• Seatbelt: Always wear your seatbelt, no matter how short the trip. It reduces the risk of injury or death in an accident.
• Child Safety Seats: Ensure children are properly secured in appropriate car seats based on their age, height, and weight.
• Airbags: Maintain a safe distance from the steering wheel and dashboard. This ensures airbags deploy correctly during a crash.
• Assistive Technologies: Use modern car features if available. These include lane departure warnings, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking.
• Helmets for cyclists: If you’re cycling, wear a helmet and protective gear.

Stay Sober

• Don’t Drive Under the Influence: Never drive under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or prescription medications. These substances impair your ability to focus and react. Always designate a driver or use alternative transportation.
• Know Your Limits: Even if you’re under the legal limit for alcohol, you may still be impaired. Be mindful of how substances affect your ability to drive.

Plan Your Route

• Know Where You’re Going: Plan your trip ahead of time, especially if you’re traveling through unfamiliar areas. GPS devices or smartphone apps can help. However, don’t rely on them too heavily while driving. Use voice commands to stay focused.

Avoid Risky Areas

• Stay out of high-crime areas. Avoid driving through them if you know certain areas are dangerous. Be especially cautious at night.
• Be cautious in unfamiliar locations. If you’re unsure about the area, keep doors locked and windows up. Stay aware of your surroundings.

Vehicle Maintenance

• Keep your car in good condition: Ensure your brakes, tires, and lights are functioning well to avoid breakdowns and accidents.
• Fuel up early: Don’t wait until you’re running low on fuel, especially when driving through remote areas.

Be Aware of Pedestrian Safety

• Use crosswalks: As a pedestrian, always use designated crossing areas and wait for signals when necessary.
• Make eye contact with drivers: This can help ensure they see you before you cross.

Watch for Suspicious Behavior

• Avoid tailgating. If someone is following you too closely or driving aggressively, don’t engage. Let them pass or pull over safely to let them go by.
• Don’t pick up hitchhikers: While it’s a personal choice, picking up strangers could expose you to unnecessary risks.

Trust Your Instincts

• Know when to leave. If you feel unsafe in your environment, trust your gut and move to a safer location. This applies whether you’re in a parking lot, driving, or on foot.

By adopting these safety measures and practices, you can significantly reduce your risk of being involved in an accident. You can also reduce the chance of becoming a victim on the road. Awareness and preparedness are key to staying safe, whether you’re driving, cycling, or walking.

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