Data from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s Office of Highway Safety and the Kentucky State Police show that Kentucky highway fatalities rose in 2021. There were 806 fatalities in 2021 and 780 in 2020. You can take precautions behind the wheel to reduce your chances of getting into an accident that may end your life or the lives of others.
Get rid of distractions
Distractions are a major cause of motor vehicle accidents. It only takes a second to get into trouble when you’re not paying attention to the road.
Distractions are everywhere for modern drivers. Common distractions include cell phones, music on the radio, billboards and other passengers. You can even get distracted by something on the side of the road. It’s best to do what you can to lessen your distractions.
Consider putting your cell phone out of sight or turning off the volume. As for music, pick what you want to hear before starting your trip. And if your passengers are loud and talkative, ask them to keep it down while you’re driving.
Take it slow and avoid the fast lane
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that speeding-related crashes represented 29% of all traffic fatalities in 2021. It’s no surprise the fast lane is the location of many motor vehicle accidents.
Just because you’re in the fast lane doesn’t mean you should drive over the speed limit. However, that’s how some drivers use that passing lane. Staying away from the fast lane can help you avoid speeding drivers who can cause an accident.
Drive during the daytime
It’s not always possible to avoid driving at night. However, limiting nighttime driving can lower your chances of a motor vehicle accident. Even if your eyes are perfect, the reduced visibility can affect how you drive in the dark.
Headlight glare is another dangerous aspect of driving at night. The glare from oncoming headlights can blind you. The bright light reduces your visibility, makes it difficult to drive and increases the possibility of a motor vehicle accident.
Being a safe driver is the best way to protect yourself and everyone else on the street. Motor vehicle accidents can still occur, but you reduce the likelihood when you take steps to stay safe.