Frisco has been a major part of the explosive growth that the Dallas Metro area has experienced in the last decade. While this growth has brought opportunities and jobs to the area, it has also resulted in traffic jams, which has led to long commute times and more accidents.
According to government statistics, car accidents, which have been on the decline for a number of years started rising again in 2016. Data shows that a total of 40,200 people were killed in car accidents in 2016. The numbers for Texas are equally as disturbing with a total of 518,577 car accidents, which killed 3,531 people and injured an additional 246,335.
Road safety is key when it comes to commuting. We want to help you stay safe out on the road when commuting into Dallas or just driving across town. Here are a few tips for stay safe out on the road:
- Always Pay Attention: There are so many ways to be distracted on the road today it’s no wonder that distracted driving accidents are always on the rise. Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that 3,477 people were killed in 2015 due to distracted driving. Do not use a phone or any other electronic devices when you are driving
- Seat Belts Are Key: Seatbelts save lives that is just a fact. Everyone in the car should have a seatbelt on before you head out on the road. According to statistics from the NHTSA, roughly half of all car accident fatalities were drivers and passengers who were not wearing seat belts.
- Always Be Prepared: Defensive driving is key and will help keep you safe out on the road. Always be prepared for the unexpected and when driving keep a two second cushion between you and the next driver. This cushion should be expanded to four seconds if the weather is bad or road conditions dictate.
- Be Courteous: Remember that you share the road with drivers of all ages and skill levels. Always be polite and courteous and never tailgate or drive aggressively which can easily lead to a car accident.
- Use Your Turn Signal: Driving can be stressful and confusing so make sure that you always signal your intentions. Use your turn signals to indicate which direction you are turning and turn them on well before your turn.
- Never Drive Drunk: Drinking and driving are dangerous and in many cases result in an accident. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) statistics show that 10,000 people were killed in alcohol impaired related accidents in 2014. Never get behind the wheel if you’ve had too much to drink or are otherwise impaired.
- Speed Kills: It may sound like a cliché but it’s true, speed kills. Research data shows that increasing your speed limit by only 10 mph also increases your chance of an accident by 50 percent. Driving the speed limit and if road conditions are bad stay below the speed limit.
Don’t Drive When You Are Tired: Driving when you’re tired is also very dangerous. A study, which was done by Virginia Tech, found that 20% of all car accidents have sleepiness as a contributing factor. If you are tired or find yourself falling asleep pull over and rest.
Don’t Pull Out: Never pull out into traffic unless you are sure you have enough space to safely maneuver your vehicle. T-bone accidents at intersections are common and can be deadly. If you have any doubt whether you have room, wait until you are sure.
Emergency Kit: Always have an emergency kit in the car. This can be a lifesaver in the event of an accident. Be sure to update and restock your emergency kits on a regular basis.
Be sure to practice these safe-driving tips the next time you head into Dallas, or just running errands in the Frisco area. Always remember to stay safe out on the road.
