If you are like most American couples, you are likely to put a lot of thought into finance management. With this in mind, are you and your spouse doing all that you can to avoid a car accident? Car accidents can be very costly, putting a dent in your wallet that is very preventable. So, what can you and your spouse be doing differently to avoid a car accident and its financial consequences?
Hold Each Other Responsible For Paying Attention When You Drive
In recent years, distracted driving has taken the lead when it comes to being the leading cause of car accidents. According to the National Safety Council, in over 40% of car accidents that result in death or serious injury, at least one of the drivers involved was using a cellphone. Keeping your eyes on the road is essential to safety.
You and your spouse should hold each other accountable for paying attention when you are driving. In other words, if you know that your spouse is on the road, do not text them. If you are in the car together, insist that your phones are kept off. It may seem extreme to require that drivers turn their phones off, but there is nothing that cannot wait. Answering a call can be the catalyst for a serious accident.
Is Your Car Maintenance Up-to-Date?
While driver error is blamed for about 25% of all accidents involving trucks, there are some accidents that are caused by an equipment malfunction. If you are not taking care of the maintenance on your vehicle, then you are at risk of an accident.
A properly running vehicle is a safer vehicle. Having the brakes checked at every oil change and replacing the pads is necessary and essential to staying safe on the road, but brakes are not the only thing you should be checking. You should replace your windshield wipers as they become worn out. Your headlights should be replaced when necessary, as should your other exterior lights.
If you and your spouse want to protect your finance management plans, ensure that car maintenance is included in how you will spend some of those finances. Taking care of your vehicle will ensure that your vehicle is roadworthy and sound. Of course, vehicle maintenance is also good for your finance. It can extend the life of your vehicle. A tune-up every 30,000 miles can help to avoid costly breakdowns. It is far better to invest in maintenance than it is to invest in repairs.
Driver Safety Courses
Have you and your spouse considered taking a driver safety class? This may seem counterintuitive when you have been driving for years, but the fact is, there is always something new to learn about driver safety. Taking a driver safety class is a great way to improve your driving and it can help with your financial management plan. Many insurance companies will offer deep discounts for people that have taken this type of class.
Making safe driving part of your household can benefit you and your spouse in so many ways, from helping to support your financial management plan to keeping costs down, to ensuring that everyone stays safe on the road. Couples, in general, should talk about driver safety and how to avoid becoming a car accident statistic. It is an important conversation to have. Take the steps you need to ensure that you and your spouse are doing all that you can to avoid car accidents.
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