Florida drivers are getting better at keeping themselves safe on the road. As reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the number of fatal accidents is falling. Staying aware of the road and of your ability to drive safely will continue to lower your risks and your liabilities.
Reckless drivers gamble with more than their money
The NHTSA is celebrating the drop in fatal motor vehicle accidents because it represents a reduction in deaths at the same time as there’s been an increase in driving. The number of cars on the road has steadily risen following pandemic shutdowns.
Unfortunately, fatalities have increased for:
- Cyclists
- Motorcyclists
- Pedestrians
- Drivers in rural areas
- Large truck drivers
Drowsy, distracted drivers risk more than just fines or damage to their vehicles. If you fail to follow driving laws, any motor vehicle accidents you cause could result in criminal charges. More importantly, you might be responsible for taking someone’s life.
Reduce your liabilities by staying alert behind the wheel
Advice from sleep specialists begins by acknowledging that you probably won’t know when you start driving drowsy. The human body doesn’t realize it’s getting tired until the problem is extreme, so it’s best to take preventive measures.
Stay alert behind the wheel by:
- Drinking black coffee
- Exercising before you start to drive
- Avoiding food on the road, particularly sugar and carbs
If you start dozing off, you should pull over somewhere safe for a 20-minute nap.
While fatal car accidents are on the decline, other types of road-related deaths are on the rise. Protect yourself and others on the road by staying alert whenever you drive.