More than 16,500 US drivers and passengers lost their lives in traffic accidents in 2020. Many more were injured. Although road safety has improved considerably in recent decades with better traffic regulation and improved safety features in cars, the roadways are still deadly. Even the smallest distraction or a momentary lapse of judgment can have life-changing implications.
As a driver you need to do everything in your power to be safe while you’re on the road. You can make some easy upgrades to your vehicle that help make you a safer driver.
High-Quality Tires
The tires that come stock with most commercial vehicles are functional but far from ideal in terms of safety. When selecting the next set of tires for your ride, consider ones with deep tread channels for safe driving in wet conditions. If you live in an area that receives a significant amount of snowfall, you might also want to opt for snow tires in the winter or all season tires year round.
Window Tinting
The sun can be a dangerous thing when you’re trying to focus on the road around you. Glare can decrease visibility, making you a more dangerous driver. By blocking UV rays, window tinting can improve visibility in situations where the sun is shining directly into your field of vision and obstructing safe driving.
Additionally, In the event of a car crash, the film that provides the window tint can actually help hold glass fragments in place, preventing the shards from flying through the air and potentially causing serious injury.
Tinting laws vary from state to state and between local jurisdictions as well. Check your local laws before tinting your windows to avoid a citation and a possible fine for window tints that exceed legal limits.
Reversing camera
When your car is in “reverse,” you are at the greatest risk of an accident. The National Highway Safety Traffic Administration (NHTSA) reports that 500,000 accidents occur each year in the US while backing up.
To avoid these latent disasters, you might want to install a reversing camera that gives a clear picture of what is behind the car—including pets, children, or other objects difficult to see through a rearview mirror.
Tire Pressure Monitor
People often don’t realize that one or more of their tires is dangerously low on pressure until it’s too late and they’re stranded on a roadway in need of emergency assistance.
You can cut down on the chances of such an unpleasant surprise by installing a tire pressure monitor that can alert you when your tires need some attention.
With these four basic, relatively affordable car upgrades, you can take proactive steps to improve your own safety and the safety of your fellow drivers on the road.