Safety Tips From NASCAR Drivers

In an average NASCAR race, drivers often reach speeds of over 200 miles per hour as they careen around the track. This can be very dangerous, but the drivers are experienced professionals who have been trained to race cars. They are also very knowledgeable when it comes to car safety because their careers and their lives depends on it.

While speeding is part of the job if you are a professional racer, speeding on a public road or highway is dangerous and can lead to very serious, if not fatal car accidents. In fact, speeding is one of the leading causes of car accidents in the United States. In 2015, there were 5,103 more traffic fatalities than there were in 2014, many of which were caused by excessive speeding.

Recommended Safety Tips

NASCAR drivers and their team of professionals are dedicated to making sure that their vehicles are well maintained and safe to drive. The following are six safety tips that NASCAR drivers and their team follow:

1. Move the seat closer to the steering wheel: Sitting closer to the wheel enables you to react more quickly if something goes wrong. Approximately 10.5 inches from the steering wheel is a safe distance and will help avoid being hurt by the impact of the airbag if there is an accident.
2. Keep your vehicle well-maintained: Routine maintenance is the best way to extend the life of your car and keep it running smoothly. The following maintenance should be performed regularly and ideally by a skilled mechanic:
   – Oil changes
   – Battery checks
   – Brake checks
   – Smog testing
   – Tire rotations
3. Maintain a safe following distance: When following another vehicle, keep your attention a minimum of two seconds in front of your car. This helps you to see potential hazards ahead and allows enough time to react. Two seconds is equivalent to approximately 150 feet if the car is traveling 50 miles per hour.
4. Wear a seatbelt at all times: Even NASCAR racers wear seatbelts whenever they are behind the wheel. In 2015, 52 percent of fatal car accidents involved passengers who were not wearing their seatbelt. In Maryland, it is against the law to drive without wearing a seatbelt. It is one of the most effective steps you can take to avoid being seriously injured in a car wreck.
5. Avoid distracted driving: Talking, texting, using social media, adjusting the radio, or reaching for something in the back seat are all examples of distracted driving. In 2015, there were 3,477 fatalities and an additional 391,000 injuries that were caused by distracted drivers. Keep your attention focused on the road ahead.
6. Remain calm: Panicking or overreacting to a situation can cause you to overcorrect when approaching a sharp curve, causing you to lose control of your vehicle. Try to stay calm and focused.

Baltimore Car Accident Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Seek Compensation for All Types of Car Accidents

If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident, contact a Baltimore car accident lawyer at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton. If the other driver involved engaged in unsafe driving behavior or failed to maintain their vehicle, we will fight to hold them responsible for your injuries. To schedule a free, confidential consultation, call us today at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.

Our offices are located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie, and Towson, allowing us to represent truck accident victims in Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Prince George’s County, Queen Anne’s County, Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood, and Elkridge.