If you’re an Uber driver who averages more than 5 hours per day on the road over the last two years,you’ve probably been involved in at least one motor vehicle accident. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 34,439 fatal motor crashes were reported in the United States in 2016. These fatal collisions resulted in 37,461 deaths. Your passengers’ safety should be your priority. Below, you will discover several tips to help you avoid motor vehicle accidents.
Monitor The Air Pressure In Your Tires
Low air pressure and bad tires are major factors in motor vehicle accidents. The more miles your tires spend on the road, the greater the wear and tear. Every day before you go pick up your first passenger, you should take the time to check the air pressure in your tires. This process requires an air pressure gauge and about 10 minutes of your time. Fortunately, many modern vehicles automatically check tire pressure and will notify you if it is too low.
If you own a minivan or sedan, the PSI should be in the range of 27 to 32. However, it is not unusual to see a PSI requirement of 40. The PSI for the average size pickup truck is generally around 45. The PSI is determined by the manufacturer and can be located on a sticker in the driver door jam. It is necessary to add the correct amount of air to each tire because tires with too much air—overpressured tires—can be even more dangerous to drive with.
Obey Speed Limits
In the United States and other countries, the speed limit is typically posted in visible areas on public roads and highways. There is no excuse for disobeying the speed limit. And, if you try to utilize the excuse that the speed limit was not posted, you will surely be slapped with a hefty fine.
Another very common cause of motor vehicle accidents is speeding. Any motorist who ignores the speed limit is putting themselves, their passengers, other motorists and pedestrians in danger. Traveling at a high rate of speed will not only increase the risk of you being involved in an accident but also increase the risk of you becoming a statistic. Visit https://www.prosperlaw.com/uber-lyft-accident-lawyer-miami/ to learn more about any claims you may have after suffering an accident involving an Uber vehicle.
Obey Red Lights and Other Traffic Signals
Red lights are designed to help motorists travel through congested areas safely. These lights are positioned in areas, where congestion is typically heavy, especially during work hours. While it is tempting to pass on yellow, you should avoid this drastic move, because it will increase your risk of getting involved in an accident. In addition to this, pedestrians often cross at red lights. So, to avoid hitting them, you should stop as soon as the light turns yellow.
To encourage motorists, especially Uber drivers, to obey red lights, some cities have established a red light camera system. The cameras are situated in congested areas and will capture drivers who fail to stop for red lights. Even if you are making a legal right-hand turn, you could end up facing a violation. The idea is to stop your vehicle for several seconds, making sure there are no vehicles with the right-of-way turning in the same direction as you.
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