Do Your Part to Drive Safely and Prevent St. Louis Auto Accidents

Every year in June, the NSC (National Safety Council) launches different awareness campaigns with the purpose of increasing public safety, all part of National Safety Month.

Car accidents lead to numerous injuries and deaths each year. Even though we can notice a descendant trend, the numbers are still concerning. Every year in June, the NSC (National Safety Council) launches different awareness campaigns to increase public safety, all part of National Safety Month.

Most car accidents happen because of human negligence, so educating ourselves about driving safety measures and making safe driving a part of our routine behavior is crucial. Read on to find out which concerns are the most pressing in this year’s safety month program.

Distracted Driving 

Distractions behind the wheel make a large number of victims on the roads each year. From distractions out of our control, like insects, kids and pets traveling with us or something unusual on the road to the ones we can control, like using a cell phone or changing the radio station, distractions make you more prone to collisions Try to remember that, just because they are available to you, auxiliary gadgets and functions of the car don’t have to be used while you’re driving.

Driving When Tired

Even though it’s also a type of distraction, fatigue deserves a separate spot on our list. Professional drivers, but also individuals who have long trips ahead and don’t want to spend too much time on the road might have a problem with grogginess behind the wheel. Driving while overtired increases accident risks significantly. Also, driving while taking certain medication or being intoxicated with alcohol or drugs is a major risk factor. Having a designated driver is not embarrassing or too inconvenient, but mandatory when your brain is not ready to focus on driving.

Neglecting Car Maintenance

Another example of human fault is failing to maintain your car properly. If you don’t check it regularly, you cannot blame the producer for faults that cause accidents.

Risky Driving – Teen Driving

Teens behind the wheels can be daring and oblivious to risks, especially young boys. Educating teens about the dangers of driving and giving them responsibility gradually is important.

Ignoring Vehicle Recalls

Each year, car manufacturers issue vehicle recalls that have to do with safety elements. Not knowing about these recalls or choosing to ignore them can mean that you are driving a dangerous vehicle on the roads. Check here if your car model has an issued recall that you should know about.

Warning Signs Your Vehicle Might Not Be Safe to Drive

Poor Starting

Starting off our list is poor-starting. If your car has trouble starting up, it could indicate that the engine is having difficulty getting the spark it needs to ignite. This could be due to various issues, such as a failing battery, bad spark plugs, or a loose electrical connection. Ignoring this problem can lead to more serious issues down the road, so it’s important to have it checked out by a mechanic as soon as possible.

Strange Engine Noises 

Another potential problem is strange noises coming from the engine. This could be caused by a loose heat shield, a loose exhaust manifold, or a cracked engine block. Ignoring this problem is risky because it could cause the engine to catch fire, or the exhaust fumes could enter the passenger compartment. In addition, the engine could seize up, causing the car to stall in traffic. Therefore, it’s important to have your engine checked out by a qualified mechanic ASAP.

Squealing Brakes 

 While the squeal itself is not necessarily indicative of a serious problem, it should not be ignored, as it may be a warning sign that your brakes need to be serviced. There are a few different reasons why brakes may start to squeal, including:

• Worn brake pads: The most common cause of squealing brakes is simply worn-out brake pads. When brake pads age, they become thinner and harder and can no longer provide adequate friction. As a result, they may emit a squealing noise when the brakes are applied.

• Loose hardware: Another potential cause of squealing brakes is loose hardware. Over time, vibrations from the road can loosen the bolts that hold the brake caliper in place. If these bolts become too loose, the caliper may start to rub against the rotor, causing a squealing noise.

• Warped rotors: In some cases, Squealing brakes can also be caused by warped rotors. When rotors become warped, they no longer make contact with the pads evenly, which can cause an annoying squealing noise.

If you notice any of these warning signs, it’s important to take your car to a mechanic as soon as possible. Ignoring the problem could make it worse and put you in danger when driving.

National Safety Month

National Safety Month is a great opportunity to discuss the problems above more extensively and to explore better solutions for the future. As technology is entering a new revolution, with self-driving cars being more present on national roads, it is important to work as much as we can to improve our road safety education.

If you’ve been injured in an accident, you may be entitled to receive compensation from the at-fault driver. Reach out to a St. Louis auto accident lawyer at The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C. today for a FREE consultation. Call us 24/7 at (314) 361-4242.