It’s the responsibility of everyone on the road to make sure that conditions are kept safe. By keeping the following tips in mind, you can do your part in preventing accidents and injuries on the road.

Know how to properly use your vehicle’s safety features, especially seatbelts.

A seat belt is one of the best ways of preventing injury in case your car crashes, but only if it’s used properly. Feel and hear for a click when buckling your seat belt to ensure that it’s in place. Make sure that your seat belt is properly fitted. The lap belt should be across your hips, and the shoulder belt should go snugly over your shoulder and across your chest. The shoulder belt should never be under your arm, as this position makes it useless in restraining your upper body during a crash. In fact, an improperly adjusted and positioned seat belt may actually cause further injury.

Air bags cushion the blow in the event of a crash. However, they’re meant to be used in conjunction with seat belts, as they can also injure you if you are not properly restrained during a collision. Always make sure that the areas surrounding the air bags are clear, so that they won’t push any objects toward you when they are deployed. If you are driving, make sure that there is at least 25 cm between your chest and the steering wheel. This gives the airbag room to inflate without causing you injury.

Keep your eyes on the road.

When driving, you should give that task your full attention. A distracted driver is an unsafe driver, and is more likely to be involved in collisions and accidents. Using your cell phone, whether for calls or texts, is an absolute no-no when driving.

Do not drive when impaired.

Impaired here just doesn’t mean driving under the influence of alcohol. Your judgment, reflexes, and behaviour are also negatively affected by drugs and fatigue. You are more likely to get into an accident if you drive under those conditions.

Follow tese basic tips and have a safe and happy time on the road.