7 Driving Tips That Will Keep You Safe This 4th Of July

The 4th of July, also known as the Independence Day in the United States, represents a symbolic day in the heart of every American.

Traditionally, this is the time of the year where people show a patriotic spirit of joy and take advantage of the holidays to drive long distances.

Frankly, planning a long drive is awesome but, how informed are you about safety driving on days like these?

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway and Safety, July Fourth is the deadliest day of the year for motorists in the country.

In fact, the research-group points out that driving during Independence Day is more dangerous than other symbolic dates including New Year’s Day.

Having said that, here are 7 driving tips that will keep you safe this 4th of July.

Take safety measures while driving

Negligence is a major reason why there are some many car accidents in the U.S. Unfortunately, we don’t live in a world where all drivers follow the rules and take the adequate safety measures to reach their destination.

Say, for example, some motorcyclists ride their bikes without wearing helmets or following the minimum safety standards.

Other drivers don’t even buckle up or ask their passengers to buckle up before hitting the road. Examine your driving habits and rid of any unsafe practices that may put yourself at risk.

Preventive maintenance really pays off

Take your car to the nearest car mechanic that you trust the most. They would be able to recommend any repairs or additions that could extend the life of your vehicle.

From regular oil changes to checking the proper functionality of your lights, drivers are responsible for ensuring their cars run in good condition.

Drivers usually overlook car maintenance but the more you learn about your vehicle, the better.

Timing and planning are critical for a safer drive

Of course, drivers will try to hit the road few days before 4th of July and that’s a good idea indeed. Timing and planning are everything when it comes to safety.

It’s better to hit the road before 7 AM rather than driving on July Fourth between 3 PM and 8PM.

While many drivers enjoy procrastination, take an easy path and/or leave early so you don’t have to face the misery of getting stuck in traffic during the festive day.

Always keep your distance

Since the roads are going to be more crowded than usual, try to keep your distance to avoid crashes.

Don’t forget that 4th of July is a dangerous date for drivers in the US.

Hence, follow the 3-second rule to set a prudent distance between your car and the other vehicle in front of you.

Never get distracted while driving

Distracted driving is a dilemma that not only affects the person who’s not taking heed of the road but also other drivers who happen to be driving closely.

It goes without saying that driving while texting increases the chances of getting involved in a car crash, especially during festive days.

Like texting while driving, there are other related distractions including; eating while driving, adjusting audio or climate functions, moving objects, among others.

That said, keep your hands on the steering wheel and your eyes on the road to avoid unexpected maneuvers that could lead to a tragedy.

Map your route

Prior to leaving home check your map and get familiarized with the road and other alternative shortcuts that could help you arrive to your destination on time.

If you own a smartphone, check the map on your screen or download an application that lets users plan their journey.

To avoid looking at your map continuously, let a trusted passenger be your guide to reduce any possible distractions while on the road.

Did you sleep well?

If you know that you’ll be driving long distances prior or during July Fourth, why not sleeping well?

Once you feel rested, you feel more active and energized to carry out a new adventure. However, sleeping few hours could affect your focus and your ability to make well-informed decision while on the road.

If you are taking passengers with you, considering switching drivers to keep your mind rested.

SEE ALSO: What No One Tells You About The Dangers Of Summer Driving