Reduce Car Accident Risk with Three Simple Tips

Spring is around the corner, and the warmer weather often prompts people in the Pacific Northwest to hop in their cars for weekend (or longer) road trips.

Unfortunately, too many of those trips will end up being memorable for the wrong reasons, due to crashes and other risks that drivers face anytime they hit the road.

You can take control of your next trip, whether it’s across the state or across town, by following these simple tips:

Pay attention. Do you know how many drivers around the country are using cell phones or other electronic devices right now? If it’s daytime, the answer is approximately 660,000, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Anything that takes your eyes off the road or distracts you increases your risk of a crash. Here’s another reason to avoid distractions: If you’re completely alert, you have a better chance of steering clear of that guy who is shaving on his way to work.
Stay sober. One bad decision can change lives forever, and driving under the influence is an extraordinarily bad decision. The National Safety Council (NSC) estimates more than 12,000 people died in 2023 in crashes specifically involving alcohol-impaired drivers. Decide on a designated driver — or better yet, be a designated driver. Best of all, have the party at your house and let everyone sleep over.
Slow down. The saying goes, “speed kills,” and it’s true. Crashes caused by excessive speed accounted for more than 11,500 deaths in 2023, per the NSC. Surprisingly, you are most at risk on roads where the speed limit is 55 mph or below. Remember, the posted speed limit isn’t always the best speed to travel. Depending on conditions, going slower might be the safest option.

Improving safety on the roads isn’t rocket science. Just a little common sense can make a big difference for you, your passengers, and your fellow drivers. So be alert and safe when traveling on the roads in the Pacific Northwest and beyond.

Reprinted with permission from Safeco Insurance® a Liberty Mutual Company.