Getting into a dangerous accident can really force you to rethink your driving habits even when you were not at fault. You may ask yourself, have I ever made this mistake before? Was there any way I could have avoided this accident even though I was not at fault? All of these thoughts race through your head while you lay in the hospital and watch workdays tick by from your bed.
While you certainly should not hold yourself accountable for someone else’s mistakes, one can never be too safe on the roads. Here are some tips from the NHTSA on how to be a responsible driver:
- Make arrangements for a safe return home when you plan to drink or become otherwise intoxicated.
- Do not allow drunk friends to get behind the wheel.
- If you host a party, ensure all your guests leave sober.
- Always wear a seatbelt, whether you are the passenger or driver.
The NHTSA article mostly hones in on drunk driving, but there are other options to consider. One important one is to include underinsured or insured driver on your policy. When insurance companies honor the products they sell, this helps to provide some protection. In some states, the insurance policy may even protect you against hit and runs.
Motor vehicle accidents are claiming lives across America at all ages. It especially claims the lives of young people, particularly minors one year to 14 years old. While safe driving does not prevent someone else from slamming into your vehicle, it does at least help to ensure you are not the at-fault party. Consider installing a dashcam in your vehicle for proof in the case of an accident.
