Drive Safe In St. Pete By Following A Car Safety Checklist
Michael Babboni
Car Accidents
Even the most attentive, the most cautious, and the most experienced driver in St. Petersburg can’t expect to take to the road safely when the vehicle their driving isn’t safe first. An unsafe vehicle doesn’t just put drivers and their passengers at risk, they’re a hazard on any and all St. Petersburg roadways. How can you make sure your vehicle is safe to drive?Vehicle Inspections In Florida
Only about a dozen states in the United States still require full annual vehicle inspections for all drivers to remain legal on the road. A handful more states require bi-annual full inspections.
Florida used to be a state that required yearly full inspections, however legislators did away with this law more than two decades ago in 2000. Currently, Florida observes no vehicle inspection laws. What does this mean? Drivers may take unsafe vehicles on the road, they may drive vehicles with safety hazards they’re unaware of, and in doing so they can put themselves and other drivers at risk.
Ensure Your Vehicle Is Safe
Vehicle safety is important, and you don’t necessarily need a full inspection to make sure your vehicle is safe before you get going. A vehicle checklist that keeps tabs on safety is a great way to make sure you’re not going to put yourself or others in St. Petersburg at risk. Some items to include on your checklist should include:
• Check your tire tread – How often do you look at your tires? Perhaps when the “low pressure” light comes on once in a while, but what about in between those moments? Tire tread takes on a lot of wear and tear as you drive around St. Petersburg. This tread helps your tires to effectively grip the road while you’re driving, and as it wears down, your vehicle becomes more prone to slipping and sliding. After a Florida rainstorm, low tread tires can put you in a dangerous situation you may not even be aware of.
• Check your lights – Your vehicle’s lights don’t just help you to see the road ahead, they help to keep you visible to motorists around you as well. Check your taillights, your turn signals, your headlights, and your brake lights regularly to ensure everything is working as it should. This keeps you visible and lets other drivers know where you are, where you’re going, and if you’re slowing down.
• Check your wipers every day – The St. Petersburg area can see quite a bit of rain but you don’t always see it coming. Being stuck in a rainstorm or shower with windshield wipers that don’t work can create a highly hazardous situation fast. Before taking to the road, even if it’s a sunny day, check to make sure your wipers are working and working well.
• Test out your steering – Having a steering wheel failure can be a nightmare for any Florida motorist. It’s recommended to take your vehicle to an empty lot and test your steering every few months to ensure there are no abnormalities in any direction. Taking a few laps around an empty area will give you peace of mind and allow you to catch any abnormalities early.
The safest drivers operate safe vehicles. While inspection laws aren’t observed in Florida, there are things drivers can do at home to ensure their vehicles are ready to take on the road. If you’ve been in an accident due to a faulty vehicle, representation can help. Contact us today.