Cars are an important part of everyday life. From commuting to and from work, to traveling across state lines, to running errands, it’s hard to imagine life without a vehicle. But with the convenience that they provide, cars also pose certain risks to both drivers and passengers. Thankfully, technology and advancements in auto engineering have made cars safer than ever before. But since there’s still room for human and mechanical error, it’s important to take the utmost precaution when you’re operating a vehicle.
Some precautions are mandated. Driving tests, for example, are required in order to obtain a license in any of the fifty states. Wearing a seatbelt is another one that’s required of both drivers and passengers. But there are still some things you can do to go the extra mile to ensure that you and your loved ones are safe on the road.
Want to learn more? These 4 automobile upgrades are great ways to improve your safety while driving.
1) GPS Tracking
One of the easiest things you can do to improve the safety of your vehicle is to install a GPS tracking system. The biggest advantage of a GPS system, of course, is navigation. If you’re buying a vehicle for your child, an older person, or someone whose sense of direction isn’t so strong, being able to trust that your daughter, son, or grandparent is able to get around town without losing their way gives you immense peace of mind. But the other benefit of a GPS system is that it can be used hands-free, limiting the risk of a distracted driving incident.
How does GPS tracking work? GPS (Global Positioning System) is a network of satellites and ground devices which use data signals in order to detect an individual’s location. This is also helpful if you’ve got to manage your teenager’s curfew!
If you want to reduce distractions while driving and improve your navigational abilities, installing a GPS tracking and navigation system is a great way to do so, and it will also improve the safety of your vehicle.
2) Hands-free tech
We discussed the importance of hands-free technology in our last recommendation, but it’s so critical that it’s worth mentioning again. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, distracted driving claimed 3,166 lives in 2017 alone. Though the usage of handheld cell phones while driving has decreased, it’s still a problem that’s causing both fatal accidents and fender benders.
The solution may seem simple…don’t get distracted while driving. But in our digital age, we have to realize that our phones are often used to navigate, keep in touch with family and friends, and of course, control our road trip soundtracks. To limit your distractions and improve driving safety, consider adding a phone mount in your car.
3) Additional mirrors
Another common cause of accidents is blind spots. Whether it’s changing lanes on the freeway or backing out of a driveway, chances are you’ve experienced a time where you weren’t able to see as clearly as you would have liked. It’s a scary situation, but there is a solution. Many cars nowadays have backup cameras and added mirrors, making it easy for you to gain perspective where you might not have been able to before.
If your vehicle isn’t already equipped with these features, you can add extra mirrors or cameras on after-market to improve safety and prevent accidents.
4) Quality tires
Good quality tires are an important part of vehicle safety for obvious reasons, but not everyone knows about the importance of tire maintenance and the type of tire you choose. As for tire maintenance, you should be checking your tire pressure each month to make sure that they have good traction on all surfaces and types of weather. If you live in an area where there is snow or rough weather, you’ll definitely want to upgrade to snow tires, as their added traction and construction can help you drive on snow in the event that roads aren’t totally clear. This is a simple and essential way to boost your vehicle’s safety.
Need help buying new tires? Check out these tips for buying winter and snow tires.
Final thoughts
Vehicle safety is essential. Use these tips to help you take your safety measures to the next level.