According to the Department of State, 95% of American households own a car. Of course, when buying a family car, safety is of paramount performance. Therefore, purchasing a set of wheels which is cited as one of the safest is a must. U.S News states that America’s top performing vehicles for safety include the Kia Optima, Toyota Camry, and Honda Accord. But, regardless of which brand you choose, being a safe driver who sticks to the rules of the road is of greater importance.
Tire safety
Your tires are one of the most important parts of your vehicle. Therefore, it’s essential you take good care of them. Legally, tires must have a minimum of 2/32″ of tread. Although, it’s best not to let the tread get this low as in poor weather conditions it will hinder your grip on the road, as well as your stopping distance. For optimum safety, replace your tires when the tread gets to 4/32″. Before heading on your family car journey, be sure to check your tires are inflated according to your load, too. The Rubber Manufacturers Association found that just 9% of vehicles have properly inflated tires, but warn that underinflated tires can lead to blowouts and road accidents.
Safety restraints
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that males are less likely to wear seatbelts than females. Additionally, 18 to 24-year- olds are also less inclined to belt up on a journey. However, the benefits of wearing a seatbelt far outweigh the cons. Should an incident on the road occur, a seatbelt restraint will minimize the risk of serious injury and help to protect you and your loved ones. Meanwhile, you should seek the support of an attorney who specializes in road traffic accidents to help you and your family claim what you’re owed following the incident.
Travel speed and stopping distance
Adhering to the speed limit is the best way to minimize the likelihood of an accident and to get your family to your desired destination safely. A study from the National Transportation Safety Board revealed that speeding played a significant role in 31% of serious road traffic accidents which took place over a nine-year period. So, even if you’re running late or have lots to do, for your family’s safety, drop your speed.
Traveling by car is a normal daily occurrence for most families. However, by driving every day it’s easy to become complacent on the roads. Therefore, always ensure you follow the rules of the road by keeping an eye on your tires, wearing seatbelts and cutting your speed.