Driver Safety: Avoiding a Car Accident Before It Happens

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.

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Table of Contents

• Always Use Your Seatbelt
• Avoid Distractions
• Don’t Drink and Drive
• Obey the Speed Limit
• Attend a Defensive Driving Course
• Perform Regular Vehicle Maintenance
• Use a Route Optimizer

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Always Use Your Seatbelt

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.

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Avoid Distractions

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 or using a phone
• Eating or drinking
• Adjusting the radio or GPS
• Talking to passengers

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.

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Don’t Drink and Drive

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.

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Obey the Speed Limit

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.

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Attend a Defensive Driving Course

Field service managers and fleet operators should invest in defensive driving training for their drivers. These courses teach drivers how to:

• Recognize and avoid road hazards
• Handle aggressive drivers
• Navigate adverse conditions
• Respond appropriately to emergencies

Even experienced drivers benefit from refreshers on safe habits and risk reduction. Training also reduces insurance costs and enhances your company’s safety culture.

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Perform Regular Vehicle Maintenance

Preventative maintenance helps reduce the chance of breakdowns and mechanical failure while on the road.

Make sure your drivers routinely inspect:

• Brakes
• Tires and tire pressure
• Lights and signals
• Engine oil and fluid levels
• Emergency supplies, including first-aid kits

Keeping vehicles in good condition is essential to protecting your drivers, your customers, and your investment.

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Use a Route Optimizer

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.

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Optimize with EasyRoutes

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:

• Instantly generate optimized delivery routes
• Share routes with your drivers via mobile apps
• Track deliveries and collect proof of delivery
• Eliminate the need for spreadsheets or manual route building

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.