Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Today is the day for all things Irish, including the luck of the Irish. But there are some things you should not trust only to luck. Your safety on the road is one one them. 

Generally speaking, there are good habits we can develop as drivers to keep safe on the road. These top safety tips from Nationwide insurance are a good place to start:

• Ignore distractions while driving and maintain focus on the road. Don’t multitask, resist the temptation to use electronic devices, and maintain a safe (and legal) speed..
• Drive defensively, using accident-preventing techniques such as paying attention to other drivers around you, expecting dangers that may occur, and slowing down to make sure you have time to react to anything that might happen.
• Prepare for trips by planning adequate time for travel (and stops), making necessary adjustments before leaving, setting the GPS before leaving your parked position, and securing all cargo that might move while you are driving.

Make Sure Your Tires Are Safe

Of course, I would not be Tracy Treadmore if I did not mention tires. Tires are incredibly important to safety, they require special and frequent attention. Many drivers don’t realize just how serious a problem bad tires can be. A special study conducted by the National Transportation Safety Board found that “each year, about 33,000 passenger vehicle tire-related crashes occur, resulting in about 19,000 Injuries.” They also found that most tire-related crashes are preventable and actions can be taken to reduce tire failure-related injuries and deaths.

Watch Your Tire Tread

It is important to monitor the condition of your tire tread as it plays a significant role in tire performance. Neglecting to check the tread regularly may lead to tire damage. Often, drivers only inspect their tire tread when they suspect a puncture or when they hit an object on the road. Frequent inspections will help you identify any wear trends and prevent excessive damage.Visually examine the tread or run your hand over it to detect issues such as distortion, feathering, or cupping. Early detection of improper wear patterns allows for corrective measures to be taken and extends the lifespan of your tires.

Check Your Tire Inflation

Maintaining the correct tire pressure is an essential aspect of tire maintenance that can significantly extend tire lifespan. If the pressure falls below the recommended level, the tire’s shoulders experience increased weight, leading to premature wear. Furthermore, low air pressure creates heat buildup, increasing rolling resistance, and reducing fuel efficiency. Therefore, keeping the tires inflated to the correct pressure is crucial for their longevity and optimal performance.

Keep Up On Tire Service

It is crucial to regularly maintain your vehicle’s wheel alignment as it directly impacts the condition of your tires. One of the common causes of unusual tread wear is improper alignment, which causes accelerated wear on certain areas of the tire. To avoid alignment-related issues, such as uneven and premature tread wear, it is recommended to consistently schedule alignment services. Tire rotation is also another maintenance service that should be done regularly and documented to promote even tread wear and extend the lifespan of your tires.

Don’t push your luck when it comes to safe driving, give it a hand! Keep your driving skills sharp and your tires ship-shape! 

“May the Road Rise Up to Meet You…”