There is a lot to be afraid of when you are raising young kids.
Legitimate dangers keep you up at night and make you care more about protecting what is most precious. Proactive, alert driving can help keep your family safe and ease your fears.
1. Schedule your car for routine maintenance
A number of accidents occur each year because of preventable issues with the car. Trust a mechanic to double-check your tire pressure, fluid leaks, electrical systems, lights and signals. Bald tires and blown headlamp bulbs are unsafe for the road, especially in the winter months.
2. Wear a seat belt
Seat belts cannot prevent crashes but they can reduce their severity. Injury and death are much more common when you do not wear a seat belt. Additionally, the Tennessee State Department of Safety requires drivers to safely restrain anyone under the age of 16.
3. Prepare for an emergency
Have a roadside emergency kit in the car that includes flares and basic tools. Keep your emergency lights flashing when disabled on the shoulder of the road. If you must exit the car on a fast thoroughfare, do so on the passenger side of the car.
4. Share the road
Cyclists, pedestrians and motorcyclists are especially vulnerable to roadside injury. Give them plenty of space as you merge, turn and change lanes.
5. Keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel
It only takes a split second of inattention to cause an accident. Keep your phone safely stowed away while driving, and practice hands-free driving at all times, to keep your family safe and sound.
