Exploring practical tips for preventing car accidents, highlighting the importance of seatbelt use, avoiding distractions and drunk driving, using route optimizers like EasyRoutes, and more.
Car accidents are alarmingly common. In 2018 alone, 36,750 people lost their lives in vehicle crashes in the United States, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Many of these incidents are preventable—caused by speeding, distracted driving, failure to wear seatbelts, or driving under the influence.
The United States consistently records more road fatalities than other high-income countries. A 2016 report suggested that nearly 18,000 lives could have been saved had the U.S. matched the average road death rate of its peer nations.
The good news? Many accidents can be avoided with awareness, preparation, and the right tools. The following safety strategies are designed to help you and your drivers reduce the risk of accidents and keep everyone on the road safer.
Seatbelts saved an estimated 14,955 lives in 2017, yet millions of drivers and passengers still fail to buckle up.
Seatbelts reduce the risk of fatal injury by 45% for front-seat passengers and by up to 65% for those in light trucks. In the event of a crash, they are your first and best line of defense—keeping you inside the vehicle and reducing the force of impact.
Make seatbelt use non-negotiable for every trip, no matter how short. It’s a simple habit that saves lives.
In 2017, 3,166 people were killed due to distracted driving. A crash can happen in as little as three seconds after a driver loses focus.
Common distractions include:
Texting is especially dangerous, as it combines visual, manual, and cognitive distractions. Drivers who text are six times more likely to crash than those driving under the influence.
Keep your attention on the road. If something demands your focus, pull over safely before addressing it.
Every 48 minutes in the U.S., someone dies in a crash caused by a drunk driver. In 2017 alone, more than 10,000 lives were lost due to impaired driving.
Drugs and alcohol impair judgment, reaction time, and motor skills. Even small amounts can significantly increase crash risk.
Penalties for driving under the influence include fines, license suspension, jail time, and civil liability—on top of potential loss of life. Always designate a sober driver or use a ride service if you’ve been drinking.
Speeding contributed to 9,717 deaths in 2017—about 26% of all road fatalities.
Speeding increases the severity of crashes, reduces your ability to react, and makes it harder to control your vehicle. Always follow posted speed limits and slow down in poor weather, heavy traffic, or unfamiliar areas.
Being a few minutes late is far better than not arriving at all.
Field service managers and fleet operators should invest in defensive driving training for their drivers. These courses teach drivers how to:
Even experienced drivers benefit from refreshers on safe habits and risk reduction. Training also reduces insurance costs and enhances your company’s safety culture.
Preventative maintenance helps reduce the chance of breakdowns and mechanical failure while on the road.
Make sure your drivers routinely inspect:
Keeping vehicles in good condition is essential to protecting your drivers, your customers, and your investment.
Stress, confusion, and last-minute rerouting can increase a driver's chances of making mistakes. Route optimization software reduces that stress by providing clear, efficient navigation from start to finish.
According to a 2013 survey, 78% of U.S. drivers were involved in at least one reckless driving incident. A route planner with turn-by-turn directions helps your drivers stay focused and reduces unnecessary miles.
EasyRoutes is a local delivery route planner that integrates directly with Shopify. It makes route planning and delivery management easier for merchants and their drivers.
With EasyRoutes, you can:
EasyRoutes not only saves time, but also improves safety by minimizing driving time and decision fatigue—helping your drivers stay alert and confident on the road.
EasyRoutes' mission is to equip every business with the software tools they need to deliver products to their customers in a delightful way. Thousands of worldwide choose EasyRoutes to power their local deliveries across dozens of product categories, from meal kits and groceries to coffee, cupcakes, kibble, and so much more. Our easy-to-use route planning and delivery optimization app is certified Built for Shopify, a two-time Shopify staff pick, and the top rated local delivery app on the Shopify App Store.