The US has more road crash fatalities than any other high-income country, with rates standing at around 50% higher than countries such as Australia, Canada, and many Western European countries. The causes of road accidents and fatalities include poor road infrastructure, poor post-crash care, the use of road-unworthy vehicles, and unsafe user behaviors. Freeways differ from highways in that they are specifically designed for high-speed vehicular traffic. This makes them handy but also requires heightened safety, bearing in mind the link between high velocities and accidents.
Investing in a Safe Vehicle
A vehicle that regularly transports your family on freeways and other major roads should have a list of features that are non-negotiable. These include airbags, forward collision warning and braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane keep assist, and an inattentive driving monitor. Your vehicle should have sufficient horsepower to enable you to speedily move away from an oncoming obstacle (such as a busted tire from a truck driving in front of you). It should also ideally have adaptive cruise control, which enables you to maintain a safe distance while also keeping your car within the speed limit. You should also ensure that you stick to your car manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule and that all liquids are topped up.
Traveling During Off-Peak Hours
If you are traveling with your family for tourism or social purposes, choose a slow time to travel. During rush hour, the freeway can be packed with commercial vehicles. Semi truck accidents and those caused by large 18-wheelers are frequent. Despite efforts at controlling speeding and other irresponsible behaviors, truck accidents are on the rise. Unfortunately, most truck drivers are paid “by the mile,” meaning that some may rush to complete as many miles as possible, which puts the health and safety of other people on the road at risk.
Keeping Kids Entertained
To ensure you can keep your eyes and mindfully on the road, provide your kids with sources of entertainment like audiobooks, tablets with kid-friendly or educational apps, and road trip bingo. Try to always travel with another adult, with the latter holding childcare duties while you are driving. If possible, an adult should travel in the back with kids to ensure they do not throw items, allow bottles to roll under the seat, or otherwise engage in behaviors that can distract the driver.
Going Offline
It can take just a few seconds for distraction to cause an accident. In the US, in a given year, over 3,000 people can lose their lives because a driver is distracted. Make sure to make all important calls and send relevant texts before you leave. Set your phone to ‘Do Not Disturb’. Most cars have a GPS system, which is handy, but which can be a distraction if you stare at the screen (instead of the road ahead of you) for too long. Use Google Maps to study your route before leaving, and pull over at a safe spot if you need help with directions. By knowing your route well before you leave, you can significantly lower your need to rely on your GPS system.
Freeways are known for attracting high-speed vehicle users. Therefore, families who rely on this type of road system should take extra care. Family care should be well maintained and contain key safety features. Drivers should do all they can to minimize distraction and ensure they are well rested before they leave their home.
