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How do I Improve Vehicle Safety?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

There are a number of things which people can do to improve vehicle safety in their personal vehicles and in vehicles used for work. Crashes are a leading cause of deaths and injuries around the world, and many incidents involving vehicles can be prevented by observing a few basic safety tips. Drivers should always remember that safety comes first, whether one is driving to the store or embarking on a trans-continental road trip.

The first step to vehicle safety is driving or using a safe vehicle. People in the market for vehicles can take advantage of crash test ratings and other reports which can provide information about how safe a particular car is. Information on crash worthiness can be found for cars, motorcycles, trucks, and boats, along with recommended safety standards such as side airbags and specific construction techniques. As a general rule, the newer a vehicle is, the safer it will be.

Vehicle tires should be inflated and examined regularly.
Vehicle tires should be inflated and examined regularly.

It is also important to observe recommended vehicle safety precautions, such as wearing seat belts in a car, using life jackets on a boat, and installing car seats properly. Specific recommendations are commonly found in the owner's manual of a vehicle, and they may be printed in easy to see areas, such as door jambs. In addition to vehicle-specific safety, general safety tips like motoring slowly in inclement conditions, paying attention to what's ahead, and monitoring surrounding traffic can also reduce the risk of accidents.

A car seat can greatly improve vehicle safety for a child.
A car seat can greatly improve vehicle safety for a child.

Maintenance is another important aspect of vehicle safety which is often ignored. Routine maintenance keeps a vehicle in better shape, and makes it safer, by ensuring that all of its systems are working properly. Things like tires and brakes, for example, are critical to safety, and they are sometimes ignored until a minor malfunction becomes a serious safety hazard. Tires should be inflated regularly and examined for tread wear, and brakes should also be routinely tested. Likewise, safety shutoff switches and similar measures on boats should be examined on a regular basis to confirm that they are in good working order.

Wearing life jackets on a boat can make it much safer.
Wearing life jackets on a boat can make it much safer.

Setting up a regular maintenance schedule is an excellent plan to maintain vehicle safety. Taking regular safety courses can also improve general safety, even for people with lots of experience operating vehicles. Safety recommendations change periodically, and sometimes being refreshed on the basics can also be highly advisable. Taking these courses can also earn people a discount on their insurance, an added benefit.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WikiMotors researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

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Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WikiMotors researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

Ocelot60

Another good vehicle safety tip is to know what you are buying before you purchase a used automobile.

For example, poor vehicle maintenance from a previous owner may potentially make a used vehicle unsafe. These problems may not be obvious to the untrained eye.

If you are planning to purchase a used automobile, it is important to have a trusted mechanic look at it first if possible. If this is not possible, you should purchase a used vehicle report to find out details about its past record. You will be able to find out valuable information such as mechanical problems, theft, and accidents that occurred in the vehicle's past. In addition, you may be able to find out how often the previous owner had the vehicle serviced so you will know if the car you want to buy was cared for properly.

Talentryto

As an automobile owner, a key rule of thumb to follow is that when something doesn't seem right about your vehicle, get it checked out as soon as possible. Noises, bumps, and knocks that are new to you could be signs of dangerous problems that need to be fixed for your safety behind the wheel.

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    • Vehicle tires should be inflated and examined regularly.
      Vehicle tires should be inflated and examined regularly.
    • A car seat can greatly improve vehicle safety for a child.
      By: zakaz
      A car seat can greatly improve vehicle safety for a child.
    • Wearing life jackets on a boat can make it much safer.
      By: Rob
      Wearing life jackets on a boat can make it much safer.
    • Information can be found on motorcycle crash worthiness.
      By: albert schleich
      Information can be found on motorcycle crash worthiness.
    • Vehicle safety includes following precautions, such as always wearing a seat belt.
      By: RTimages
      Vehicle safety includes following precautions, such as always wearing a seat belt.
    • Routine maintenance helps keep a vehicle in good shape.
      By: uwimages
      Routine maintenance helps keep a vehicle in good shape.
    • Vehicles are given crash test safety ratings to inform customers which would provide better protection in the event of an accident.
      By: Deyan Georgiev
      Vehicles are given crash test safety ratings to inform customers which would provide better protection in the event of an accident.