Car Safety Tips from NASCAR Drivers
In October 2017, the U.S. Department of Transportation released the latest statistics available from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) for roadside fatalities. The results are not encouraging as the number of fatalities in 2016 increased from the previous year by 5.6 percent. In all, more than 37,000 people suffered fatal injuries, according to the NHTSA.
The average motorist can benefit from the experience of NASCAR drivers who must drive safely as part of their job. Besides driving defensively there are many things drivers can do to prepare and maintain a safe vehicle.
Maintain Your Vehicle
NASCAR drivers are very meticulous about maintenance for a good reason. They want to be sure their cars hold up on the track. Equipment failure does not just mean the difference between winning and losing, it can also cause fatal accidents. Every driver should be familiar with the basics of their vehicle and regularly check the oil, brakes, battery, tires, and exhaust system.
Use Your Safety Equipment
Professional NASCAR drivers know how important their safety equipment is and how to use it. Regulations dictate what kind of safety harnesses must be used so that drivers have a chance of survival in the event of a crash. All drivers must wear seatbelts, as should their passengers. Considering that fatalities resulting from lack of a seat belts rose 4.6 percent from 2015 to 2106, failure to use seat belts could result in fines depending on the state you live in. Back up cameras, as well as side and rear-view mirrors, should be employed to prevent car and pedestrian accidents.
Check Your Seating
Where you sit can make a difference in vehicle handling should you have to execute any emergency maneuvers. NASCAR drivers recommend sitting closer to the steering wheel. While it is not safe to sit extremely close should the airbag deploy in a collision, being closer to the steering wheel allows the arm muscles to react more quickly.
Quick reaction times are good, but overreacting can be dangerous. A NASCAR driver strives to drive smoothly because sharp movements can upset the car’s center of gravity and lead to a rollover. If the car remains balanced, the suspension and shock absorbers will absorb most of the bumps to keep the car on the road.
Keep Your Eyes on the Road
Distracted driving is the cause of many car accidents, so it is vital keep your eyes on the road. It is best to scan ahead at least two seconds in front of your car to be prepared for changes in traffic. If you are driving 50 mph, then two seconds equals roughly 150 feet of road in front of you. You should have the car in front of you in your peripheral vision as well.
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