All posts in On the Road

Aware Driver: Five Tips For Avoiding Serious Collisions

by Carsurfer Admin on 2016/10/07 in On the Road with Comments Off

When driving a vehicle one of the top priorities is to avoid sustaining serious car injuries. By avoiding an injury due to a collision, you will be able to save money as well as maintain your physical health. In order to avoid serious collisions, and avoid sustaining car injuries in Denver, you will want to take certain steps so that you will be safe at all times. You will benefit by looking before making turns, watching out for wildlife and also going the speed limit. With these actions, you will be in good position to avoid potentially dangerous situations when driving.

Look Before Making Turns

One of the first things you will want to do when driving is to look before making turns. If you are driving up a road and need to make a turn, it will be important to look both ways and look twice before making your turn. This will help you avoid getting into a collision.

Drive A Car With Safety Features

Another great way to avoid sustaining car injuries is to drive a car with safety features. Nowadays, there are a number of vehicles that have advanced features that provide you with lots of protection. Many vehicles have backup cameras and lane watch features which can help you avoid a collision.

Be On The Lookout For Wildlife

When driving, you will want to be on the lookout for wildlife. According to sources such as geico.com, a lot of auto collisions occur with animals such as deer. On certain roads, deer will often run around and therefore drivers are very likely to collide into one. As a result, it will be very important to always watch out for wildlife when driving so that you can avoid a devastating collision.

Go The Speed Limit

If you are looking to avoid a collision, one of the best things you can do is go the speed limit. You will want to drive your vehicle as fast as the signs allow you to. This will help you go at a safe pace and avoid rear ending other drivers. According to allstate.com, many collisions occur due to people going faster than the speed limit and rear ending someone.

Don’t Try To Drive Through Lights

Drivers who are looking to avoid collisions will benefit by not trying to drive through lights. There are times when a yellow light turns and then a driver may look to speed through the intersection. While this can be done safely, there are other times when you may get into an accident. Therefore, it will be in your best interest to not attempt to drive through lights so that you can avoid a collision.

Driving safely is a top priority for all drivers. Part of driving safely is to avoid collisions with other drivers and animals. In order to avoid collisions, it will be important to do certain things so that you don’t put yourself at risk of danger. By driving the speed limit, not speeding through lights, looking out for wildlife, looking before making turns and also driving a vehicle with advanced safety features, you will be able to easily avoid collisions.

Rules Of The Road: 4 Annoying Things Drivers Do That They Shouldn’t

by Carsurfer Admin on 2016/09/12 in On the Road with Comments Off

Driving may be the most convenient form of transportation, but it can also be an extremely frustrating experience. In addition to dealing with unwanted traffic, the other drivers on the road can make you crazy with their annoying habits. These horrible habits can also be very dangerous to everyone else on the road. While there are dozens of things that drivers do that they should not do, these are the four most annoying.

Not Using the Turn Signal

The turn signal was put in cars as a courtesy to the other drivers on the road. Everyone behind the wheel knows when they need to turn, but the cars behind you have no idea what will happen unless they are told. Forcing cars behind you to unexpectedly slam on their brakes while you turn out of nowhere is a great way to get rear ended. Failing to use a turn signal doesn’t lead to a large number accidents, but it is still an annoying habit.

Using the Phone

It does not take very long to see a driver using their cell phone while on the road. Talking on the phone while driving is a very annoying habit, but it pales in comparison to texting while driving. If you were hit by a distracted driver on their phone, then you need to contact an attorney in Louisville to get the help and results you need. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says 17 percent of all car accidents are caused by distracted drivers, so everyone needs to put down the phone and watch the road.

Following Too Close

Riding on the bumper of the car in front of you serves no purpose other than to annoy the other driver. Tailgating is usually done to get the other driver to go faster, but this rarely works. Since the driver getting tailgated is extremely annoyed, they are usually going to slow down even more. Tailgating clearly causes aggravation for both drivers According to a recent study by The Highways’ Agency, it also is the cause of more than one-third of all accidents.

Driving Too Slow

There is no reason to drive well below the speed limit on a safe road without traffic. This habit is even more annoying when it is done on a two-lane road. Nobody wants to be late to work or an important meeting because you decided to spend the day driving half the speed limit.

Driving is hard enough on its own, so there is no reason to make it more difficult. If everyone avoided these four annoying driving habits, then the roads would be much safer than they are right now.

Motorcyclists: 6 Tips For Staying Safe On The Road

by Carsurfer Admin on 2016/09/05 in Motorcycles with Comments Off

There’s nothing like hopping on the Harley and feeling the wind in your hair, taking in the scenery, and getting that rush of freedom that can only come from riding a motorcycle. However, bikers have to play it safe in order to keep from having that freedom taken away from them by a fatal accident.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that motorcycle riders are more than five times more likely to be killed in a traffic accident than people who ride in cars. Since motorcyclists do not have the protection of a vehicle and are likely to be thrown from their bikes, many bikers will sustain serious life-altering injuries like broken spines or traumatic brain injury. In order to prevent traumatic injuries like these here are some tips to follow to help you stay safe on the road.

Always Wear a Helmet

It’s not enough just to wear any helmet. You have to make sure your helmet fits securely so that it isn’t too tight or too loose. You also want to get one that is sturdy and hasn’t had a lot of damage. If your helmet gets dropped or damaged you should get a new one right away. It is essential to not wear that same helmet again because helmets are only made to absorb the impact of a crash once.

Wear Protective Gear

Although it can be tempting to ride in shorts and a t-shirt during the summer, you are more likely to be burned or scraped up without protective clothing. You will want to wear a leather jacket and pants if possible. You will also want to wear full-finger gloves and protective eye-wear. Make sure your eye-wear has good visibility and isn’t scratched. Also make sure that your slip-resistant boots cover your ankles.

Prepare For Inclement Weather

Always check weather conditions before you head out, especially if you’ll be driving in the desert or in congested parts of the city. Dust storms can cause very poor visibility for you and other drivers on the road, which will increase your chances of an accident. If the weather is hot, bring extra water to keep hydrated. Prepare an alternative route home in case of bad weather.

Be Visible To Other Drivers

While you might not be at fault if someone hits you, your priority is to remain alive. Use a headlight at night to make it easy for other drivers will be able to see you easily. Also, be sure to always be mindful of the blind spots of drivers on the road. It is also a good idea to honk your horn in traffic if you are in an area of poor visibility.

Avoid Areas Known For Drinking

Whenever possible, plan your route to avoid the casino areas especially at night. Your chances of getting hurt or killed on the road are much higher when you’re surrounded by vehicles in which people are likely to have just come from the bar. By avoiding those areas completely you can really help prevent a lot of potential danger.

Remain Alert

Don’t drive if you’ve been drinking. Even if you aren’t over the legal limit, motorcyclists have to be more alert than other drivers on the road. It is also a good idea to take a break from driving if you’re too tired or are sick, because your reflexes will not be at their best.

There is nothing worse than getting into a motorcycle accident. Luckily there is help out there for you and your loved ones if it happens. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident it is a good idea to get professional help from someone such as a motorcycle accident attorney in Las Vegas, to help you handle your personal injury claim. Be sure to seek help right away so that you can be sure to get all the care you stand in need of.

Help Your Car Run Better in Hot Weather with These 4 Tune-Ups

by Carsurfer Admin on 2016/07/17 in On the Road with Comments Off

Driving a vehicle during a heat wave can push an engine to its limit. This is why it is so important for all drivers to service their cars before the weather begins to warm up. Here is a quick look at four maintenance tasks you might want to tackle as soon as possible.

1. Recharge the AC

Many drivers have their air conditioners on nonstop throughout the warmer months of the year, and that is why it is a good idea for everyone to learn how to recharge an AC. Recharging kits can be purchased at most auto stores and are extremely simple to use. Before recharging the system, you should check the compressor for cracks or any other signs of damage.

2. Belts and Hoses

Belts, hoses, and other car parts made from softer materials tend to become damaged when the weather changes. In addition to creating loud noises, a weakened belt can snap while driving and damage the radiator fan or pulleys. Much like recharging the AC, this is another project that can be carried out in an hour or two with a few basic tools. Belts and hoses should be replaced whenever they become frayed or cracked.

3. Flush and Fill the Radiator

Most radiators must be completely flushed every two years, but you should check the fluids at least once a month while the weather is hot. Instead of using water or antifreeze, you will need a product made specifically to remove rust and grease. According to Natrad, if your radiator isn’t functioning as well as it should, this will cause your engine to overheat. Having a radiator die in the middle of a heat wave can cause an immense amount of damage to the rest of your engine.

4. Inspect and Rotate the Tires

Old and damaged tires have a very high chance of blowing out when the vehicle is at high speeds. They can also ruin your vehicle’s efficiency and handling. Every car should have a sticker on the door jam that shows exactly how much the tires should be inflated. When your tires are being rotated, the mechanic can tell you how much longer you can ride on them until they need to be replaced.

All drivers should know the basics of vehicle maintenance well before they get behind the wheel. These four projects will improve the safety of your car, increase its lifespan, and potentially prevent a catastrophic breakdown during the next major heat wave.

4 Tips For Driving Safe In Bad Weather

by Carsurfer Admin on 2016/07/15 in On the Road with Comments Off

Most people would prefer to be safe at home during bad weather, but nearly everyone ends up driving under poor conditions at one time or another. The good news is that there are things you can do to make sure you reach your destination safely in weather conditions that are anything but friendly.

Heed the Signs

Keep your eyes open for detour signs, warning signs and special speed limit signs. Don’t try to second-guess these signs. Authorities put them up because they have assessed the entire situation and know more about the dangers than you can see from your car’s front seat. Equally important are the more subtle signs of trouble you may encounter, such as an area of standing water or an erratic driver.

Watch the Other Guy

If you notice another driver acting unusual or driving poorly, widen the distance between you and them as soon as you scan. Even huge trucks can get into accidents because of one foolhardy driver in a sub-compact car. If you Google the phrase "Atlanta Tractor Trailer Accident Attorney,” you’ll quickly realize that even professional drivers often need help dealing with the consequences of drivers who are unprepared for bad road conditions.

Stay in Control

Keep both hands on the wheel at all times, and maintain a good grip on it. If you run into a patch of ice, a deep rut, or a heavy gust of wind, a firm grip on your steering wheel can keep you from losing control. Sudden braking, quick acceleration, and overeager turns can turn deadly in a heartbeat when conditions are bad. Making smooth, steady changes in speed or direction will help you maintain control over your vehicle. Allow plenty of time to safely manage stops, lane changes, turns, or twists in the road.

Beware of Black Ice

Black ice isn’t really black, and it doesn’t look like ice. It looks like a normal, clear road. It may even look dry. If the temperature is below freezing keep your eyes peeled for signs of invisible ice, such as ice crystals anywhere on your car’s exterior or a wet-looking road that doesn’t generate spray from passing cars. Bridges and overpasses are often the worst culprits. If you have to drive on one, play it safe and behave as though invisible ice is lurking somewhere on the surface. Don’t expect your fellow drivers to do the same, though, so watch for out-of-control vehicles as you cross.

Bad weather is inevitable, but accidents can usually be prevented. Adjust your driving to compensate for road conditions and help ensure you make it safely to your destination.