Whether you need to commute to work or you are planning a day out with friends, the last thing you want to happen is to be involved in a car crash. Car collisions are a lot more frequent than you imagine. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, there is a hit-and-car accident happening every minute. The statistics don’t involve the total number of collisions, aka also including the hit but not run incidents.
Logic tells us that accidents are more prone to happen because there are more vehicles on the road. It is undeniably true that roads experience a lot more traffic than they did a few decades ago. Additionally, the population is also growing, so the volume of cars is constantly rising. As a result, it is more difficult to avoid dangerous vehicles. But, many more factors can affect your driving skills. Experience and self-confidence are often mentioned as some of the main differences between good and bad drivers. In truth, an experienced driver may feel more comfortable handling a delicate situation such as driving in the snow. But, the inexperienced driver is more likely to avoid any accident altogether by using public transports when it snows. So, it pays off to consider external factors that can increase your risks of collision. Everybody understands the need to avoid distractions when you are at the steering wheel. Consequently, smartphones are best kept silent and tucked inside a bag or a pocket. Similarly, food and drinks shouldn’t be consumed while you’re driving, however tempting it is to take a sip of your freshly brewed coffee. But have you ever considered the role of your accessories, both for the car and your outfit? Here’s how they can avoid an accident.
A pair of sunglasses
Sun glare is one of the most commonly ignored causes of accidents on the road. Contrary to common belief, sun glare is equally frequent in summer and winter. Snowy regions even tend to record higher numbers of sun-related accidents in winter, as the sun reflects on the surface of the snow. There is no mystery. If you are going to protect yourself from the sun, you need to invest in a pair of sunglasses. Your eyes need protection from harmful UV rays, regardless of the season. Sunglasses that can block 100% of all UV will protect your eyesight and avoid the dangerous sun glare phenomenon. You can also find adaptive lenses that will automatically darken when the sun is out, so you don’t have to worry about squinting in the light. For those who already wear corrective glasses, it’s a good idea to invest in corrective sunglasses or tinted lenses that you can clip on top of your everyday glasses.
A pair of non-slippery shoes
It might not sound relevant when we in the middle of heatwave season, but you want shoes that are fully adapted to the weather. On rainy days, smooth soles can slide on top of the pedals, leading to unexpected stops or acceleration on the road. Additionally, it means you may not be able to react on time when an obstacle appears in front of you. So, you want a pair of reliable non-slip dress shoes that can keep you going without clashing with your outfit. Dockers and Nunn Bush are elegant loafers that are easy to clean and maintain. They look brilliant with both suits and denim pants, so you don’t have to worry about your professional appearance.
Comfortable dress pants
Most people don’t realize the importance of wearing comfortable pants when driving. Uncomfortable pants can feel tight around your stomach and your legs. It is uncomfortable. But it can also distract from the road if you try to adjust them while driving. Additionally, some fabrics can also limit your mobility. While you don’t need to make big moves behind the wheel, you need to be able to easily and rapidly press the brakes if something happens on the road. The only problem is that comfy pants tend to be casual. When you work in an office, you need to stick to the dress code. Thankfully, you can find some smart dress pants that have enough stretch to adjust. Rhone’s commuter pant is a favorite for offices that adjust a semi-casual outfit. For something more classic, Bonobos does stretch chinos in a range of 25 colors, the perfect match for your shirt and blazer.
Car seat cushions
A surprising accessory that most people forget to add to their car is a seat cushion. Seat cushions are a fantastic addition to most vehicles, as they provide support and comfort. Your car seats can lose firmness over time in the same way sofas do. Gradually, your position behind the steering wheel changes as the seat changes. That’s where seat cushions will come to shine. They can protect your posture, ensuring you don’t sink into an old seat. They are also a nice cooling touch in summer. Sitting on a leather seat at the peak of summertime is not a pleasant experience, and it can distract from the road. The cushion, on the other hand, will provide freshness and safety.
A pair of socks
It might sound like a silly idea, but you always want to have a pair of socks in your car during the summer months. Nobody wants to admit to sweating, but when the temperatures rise, it is unavoidable. Sweaty feet can slide directly off open shoes. Adding a pair of socks for driving can avoid many issues. Alternatively, in closed shoes, sweaty feet can cause a lot of frictions, which can cause blisters. You don’t want to be sore as it can affect your driving style.
Non-metal accessories
Last but not least, summer and winter are the two seasons where you need to avoid metal accessories. They will get too hot in summer and can lead to burns. In winter, they can accumulate the cold and feel uncomfortable. Belt buckle, bracelet, and necklace that can react to temperature can cause distraction, discomfort, and skin irritation, which will affect your driving.
Whether you are planning a road trip with friends in the heatwave or commuting to work every day, your choice of accessories is more than a stylish decision. It can be part of your essential road gear to stay safe and alert in your car.
Thanks for reading and y’all stay dandy.
-Diego
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