Traffic fatalities are at an all-time high – so what can we do about it?

Bad news on the driving front today – traffic fatalities are at an all-time high, which means it’s of the utmost importance that you not only drive a safe car but also know the ins and outs of defensive driving and how to conduct yourself when you’re behind the wheel. Luckily, we’ve got both the info and the tips to help you stay safe on the open road – check it out.

Why are traffic fatalities so high?

The U.S. government reported yesterday that traffic deaths totaled over 31,000 for the first nine months of 2021, an all-time high that’s 12% higher than the same time frame in 2020. Why? The NHTSA mostly attributes it to reckless driving, distracted driving, and bad behavior like not abiding by speed limits or wearing a seatbelt. The Secretary of Transportation, however, says that traffic fatalities can be reduced by safer roads, higher safety standards for cars, and new tech like automated braking in cars.

But good news, especially if you’re an Orlando Toyota driver. Everyone knows that safety is one of Toyota’s top priorities; they even have an entire institute devoted to it in Ann Arbor, Michigan. And Toyota put out a press release describing yet another advancement in their safety tech research – they successfully programmed a car to drift autonomously on its own, which could mean fewer traffic fatalities due to black ice, hazardous road conditions, and collisions with other objects or vehicles.

Toyota of Orlando tips for road safety

So what does this mean for you as a driver? With traffic fatalities so high, it’s imperative that you take two major steps: Ensure your car has the safety features you need, and take every safety measure you can when you’re behind the wheel.

• If you drive an Orlando Toyota, you’re already in a good place. All of our cars come decked out with incredible safety tech and options, including features like the Pre-Collision System, Dynamic Cruise Control, Toyota Safety Sense, Advanced Airbag Systems, and more to ensure you drive as safely as possible AND have the security you need should you get into a collision.
• Ensure you’re on your best behavior when you’re behind the wheel. This means putting your defensive driving skills to use every single time you get into the driver’s seat, and also ignoring distractions. Here are a few quick tips:
  • Put away your phone and focus on the road – your hands should be on the wheel and your eyes on the road.
  • ALWAYS buckle up, and don’t leave your driveway or parking spot until all of your passengers are buckled up as well.
  • Follow the speed limits. They’re there for a reason – to ensure you’re moving at a speed at which you can still control your car and react accordingly to avoid an accident.
  • Use your turn signal to indicate your movements on the road so other drivers know if they need to get out of your way.
  • Put aggressive driving to bed – it’s better to be late and stay safe than to rush or drive aggressively and get into a possibly-fatal collision or crash.

Want more tips or think it’s time to get yourself into a safe new Toyota? Call Toyota of Orlando today at (407) 298-4500. We’re open seven days a week and conveniently located at 3575 Vineland Road, so feel free to pop by and see how our incredible safety technology works in person!

 

Posted in Toyota of Orlando News | No Comments »