Automobile accidents are a major cause of death in the United States. They are the single most common cause of death among children and young adults, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

A high percentage of these automobile accident deaths occur on our nation’s freeways and highways due to the high rates of speed encountered.

However, there are steps you can take to reduce your chances of becoming a victim on the freeway, including the following:

  • When you merge onto the freeway, you should be at average traffic speed.
  • When in the right lane of a freeway, move over one lane to the left when you see drivers coming into traffic from the entrance ramp. If this is not possible, slow down to give the entering driver more room.
  • Allow plenty of room between you and other vehicles. Many driving experts advocate the two-second rule. Under this rule, you should start counting when you see the vehicle in front of you pass a fixed object. Count “one thousand one, one thousand two.” If you reach the fixed object before “two,” you are following too closely.
  • Try to maintain average traffic speed. Vehicles going much slower or faster than other traffic are a recipe for an accident. Common sense, however, regarding speeding laws must also be considered.
  • You should use extra caution when driving at night or in bad weather. Remember that many drivers do not adjust their driving habits for the weather or bad road conditions.
  • Avoid any sudden moves, since this does not give other drivers time to react.
  • Continuously scan the roadway ahead of you for signs of trouble, including construction and traffic slowdowns.
  • Be aware of the positions of other drivers around you, particularly those beside you or slightly to the rear. Make sure that your rearview mirrors are properly adjusted before you drive your car.
  • Remember that your reaction time and overall driving skills decline as you get tired. Breaks every few hours are important.
  • When exiting the freeway, be sure to signal well in advance. Do not slow down significantly until you start to turn off the freeway.

Source: International Risk Management Institute, Inc.  Copyright 2015

Read Other Blog Posts

Massahusetts DIA Seal

MA Dept of Industrial Accidents New Notice Requirements

The Department of Industrial Accidents (DIA) has revised the Notice to Employees and has established new notice requirements. On or before September 16, 2024, all employers must utilize and repost the revised Notice to Employees poster.
Apartment living room

Keep Your Home Safe While on Vacation

Taking a trip and exploring the world is fun, but leaving your home unoccupied has some risks.  Before departing, protect your property from accidents and criminals by considering the following precautions.
Male teen driver

5 Tips for Adding a Teen to Your Auto Policy

If your teen is approaching driving age, it may be time to start thinking about your plan for adding them to your auto insurance policy. Here are five tips to consider when adding a teen to your auto insurance policy.
Night driving

Understanding the Risks of Speeding

According to NHTSA data, speeding kills more than 12,000 people behind the wheel each year, contributing to nearly one-third (29%) of all traffic fatalities. With this in mind, it’s important to understand what causes speeding and how to prevent it.
Mold

Keeping Mold Out of Your Home

Mold not only damages your property, but it can also cause serious health complications after long-term exposure. With this in mind, try these prevention tips to keep mold out of your home.
Hacker

Cyber Risk Exposure Scorecard: Assess your risk

Cyber incidents have become increasingly prevalent, impacting organizations of all sizes and industries. As these incidents continue to rise in both cost and frequency, organizations must take steps to address their cyber exposures and bolster their digital security defenses.
Shipping dock

Exposing Double Brokering: Safeguarding Your Freight Against Deceptive Schemes

In the landscape of global commerce, the logistics industry serves as the backbone ensuring that goods reach their destinations efficiently. Yet, amidst the complexities of this intricate network lies a threat known as double brokering, a freight fraud scheme that can leave companies vulnerable to financial loss and operational disruption.
Fireman

The Crucial Role of Disaster Recovery Plans and Insurance Solutions in Protecting Your Business

When preparing for disasters, the significance of comprehensive disaster recovery plans and understanding insurance solutions cannot be overstated. These two pillars serve as crucial safeguards, offering businesses resilience against unforeseen challenges and ensuring continuity in the face of adversity.

Visit Our Personal Insurance Page

Personal Insurance

Life is an ever-changing journey, and it deserves a thoughtful, comprehensive plan to protect the things and people that matter most. Our dedicated team at Murphy Insurance is here to assist you in creating that plan. With a wide range of product options at our disposal, we ensure that your plan is tailored precisely to your requirements. Our commitment to providing clear, intelligent guidance to help you achieve true peace of mind. Learn more about our personal insurance portfolio.

Visit Our Business Insurance Page

Business Insurance

Murphy Insurance stands as your steadfast partner in safeguarding your business from unforeseen challenges in today’s dynamic business landscape. In an era where comprehensive business insurance is not just a prudent choice but a vital one for ensuring the long-term stability and security of your enterprise, we are here to offer our expertise. Running a business inherently entails various risks that can potentially impact your financial stability and reputation. Learn more about our comprehensive business insurance solutions, which are meticulously designed to protect you from these potential threats, granting you peace of mind necessary to focus on the growth and prosperity of your business.