Drivers have to prioritize the security of everybody on the roadway, together with passengers and different highway customers. Whereas there are numerous sources obtainable reminiscent of state-issued driver’s manuals and on-line driver security programs that present dependable info on secure driving practices, it’s nonetheless frequent for misinformation about secure driving to unfold.
It’s additionally important for drivers to learn and to observe confirmed security measures to make sure the security of all events on the highway, which incorporates carrying the suitable stage of auto insurance coverage in Texas.
Preserve the next 6 security myths in thoughts the following time you might be on the highway.
Fable 1. Preserve Your Automobile Doorways Unlocked Whereas Driving in TX
It’s not unusual to listen to recommendation relating to driving together with your doorways locked. Some folks recommend that it’s best to all the time go away your doorways unlocked whereas driving in case you might be in an accident. The idea is that in case your doorways are unlocked, will probably be simpler for rescuers to drag you from a wrecked car. Sadly, leaving your doorways unlocked whereas driving is much extra prone to lead to devastating accidents.
It’s safer to lock car doors whereas driving because of the threat of a door opening in an accident. Unlocked doorways usually tend to open throughout a crash, and there may be additionally a threat of younger passengers opening a door whereas a car is in movement. Most vehicles have an automated locking function when a car reaches a sure pace.
Fable 2. Solely Bridges are Harmful in Icy Climate
One other frequent false impression is that ice represents much less of a menace on roadways in comparison with bridges. This false impression is likely to be as a result of highway indicators in Texas typically warn that bridges could ice throughout chilly climate. Whereas it’s true that bridges usually tend to grow to be icy first, the roads are simply as harmful when ice is current. Identical to when driving in the rain, all highway surfaces needs to be handled as doubtlessly harmful in inclement climate.
Driving in icy situations is harmful and needs to be prevented at any time when doable. Nonetheless, there are occasions when driving in hazardous climate can’t be prevented. Follow winter safety driving tips to make sure you are ready for when dangerous climate strikes.
Fable 3. Used Automobile Seats Are At all times Secure
There’s a false impression that automotive seats are all the time secure to make use of. The truth is that—like many merchandise—they put on out over time. Automobile seats have expiration dates as a result of the supplies used of their building can break down over time, doubtlessly affecting their security and effectiveness. Should you’re fascinated by buying a secondhand automotive seat or somebody gives one they now not want, you will need to ask the earlier proprietor about its utilization historical past.
If the seat was concerned in an accident, it might now not meet producer security requirements, even when it isn’t very outdated. It’s all the time finest to depend on a automotive seat that’s in good situation and has not reached its expiration date to make sure the security of your little one whereas touring. Additionally it is necessary to observe car seat safety tips everytime you use a baby automotive seat.
Fable 4. Preserve Your Fingers at “10 and a pair of” Whereas Driving
For a few years, Texas driving instructors knowledgeable would-be motorists to all the time preserve their palms at “10 and a pair of” on the steering wheel whereas driving. Whereas that recommendation might need been sound in years previous, it’s now not legitimate. The appearance of recent airbags has rendered this recommendation outdated.
Within the occasion of a crash, airbags deploy at excessive speeds, which may trigger accidents reminiscent of damaged arms and facial lacerations if the motive force is just not correctly positioned. To cut back the chance of harm, the Nationwide Freeway Site visitors Security Administration (NHTSA) advises drivers to tilt the steering wheel away from their head, preserve their palms on the “9 and three o’clock” place, and preserve a minimal distance of 10 inches between the airbag cowl on the steering wheel and their breastbone.
Fable 5. Fingers-Free Makes it Secure for Texans to Speak on the Cellphone
There was a big push in recent times to ban using cell units whereas driving. Whereas distracted driving has grow to be one of many main threats on the roadway, many states have pushed drivers to maneuver to hands-free headsets for making telephone calls whereas on the highway. Whereas hands-free, a driver can allegedly make a name safely whereas behind the wheel. In actuality, hands-free headsets do little to cut back the possibilities of a crash.
In keeping with a examine by the Journal of Safety Research, hands-free units are simply as harmful when driving as holding a telephone in your hand. Whereas hands-free headsets would possibly go away your palms free, speaking on the telephone is a psychological distraction that would enhance the possibilities of an accident.
Fable 6. Heat Up Your Automobile Earlier than Driving in Chilly Climate
This was frequent recommendation for a few years. Older vehicles wanted to heat up earlier than driving, which concerned operating a car in place for a while earlier than heading in your manner. Fashionable vehicles don’t must be warmed up within the winter. And for folks with garages, this generally is a lethal mixture. Many individuals don’t notice how rapidly harmful ranges of carbon monoxide can construct up within the storage, in addition to an connected dwelling. In keeping with this report, it will possibly take as much as 10 hours earlier than the air you breathe is secure once more.
With trendy expertise and digital gas injection, that is now not crucial. In truth, permitting your automotive to idle for an prolonged time frame can really be wasteful and inefficient. It consumes fuel and takes up precious time that may very well be used for driving. In actuality, your automotive’s engine will heat up sooner when you find yourself driving it, because the movement helps to flow into the engine oil and get it flowing.
Discovering Inexpensive Automobile Insurance coverage in Texas is Not a Fable
Understanding the reality about these security myths may show you how to keep away from an accident, in addition to being safer total. Regardless of your finest efforts, there are occasions when a collision is unavoidable. When accidents occur, you wish to have auto insurance coverage protection that protects you.
Baja Auto Insurance coverage is prepared that can assist you defend your self, your family members, and your car by offering you with good protection at a good worth.
Our brokers are able to advise you in your coverage choices. To study extra about how our brokers can assist you, get a free car insurance quote online, give us a name at 800-401-6870, or drop in certainly one of our locations for a go to.
