Whether you’re driving across the country or just around the block, it’s important to practice safe driving habits. Here are some tips that every driver can use to ensure a safe trip.
Buckle Up
First and foremost, always buckle up. This is the best way to protect yourself and your passengers in the event of an accident. Not only that, but it’s the law in most states. Your seatbelt is your primary restraint system, and it goes a long way to ensure your safety should you be involved in an accident. Another important feature vital in keeping you safe in the event of an accident is airbags. This secondary restraint system works in conjunction with your seat belt to provide an added layer of protection.
Obey The Speed Limit
It’s tempting to want to get where you’re going as fast as possible, but it’s important to obey the posted speed limit. Not only is speeding dangerous, but you’re also more likely to suffer legal consequences for breaking the speed limit. In addition, traveling at higher speeds makes it more difficult to stop in an emergency and increases the chances of being involved in a serious accident. Modern vehicles, unfortunately, don’t make it easy to stick to the speed limit with their high-performance engines, but it’s important to resist the temptation to floor it.
Perform A Brief Safety Check Every Morning
Before heading out on the road, it’s important to ensure that your vehicle is in good working condition. This means checking your tires, ensuring your lights and brakes are working properly, and that no fluids are leaking under your car. It only takes a few minutes to perform this check, and it could save your life down the road.
Put Down The Phone
It can be tempting to want to check your phone while you’re driving, but it’s important to resist that urge. Using your phone while behind the wheel is one of the most dangerous things you can do. If you need to use your phone, pull over to a safe location first. Many modern vehicle manufacturers have made large strides in terms of integrating technology that makes it easy to remain connected to the outside world whilst driving safely. The challenge with using our phone whilst driving is not only that you’re interfacing with a device but that your attention is divided. The golden rule of thumb is to leave your phone alone while driving.
Use Defensive Driving Principles
One of the best ways to stay safe on the road is to practice defensive driving principles. This means being aware of your surroundings and being prepared for the worst. Anticipate what other drivers might do and always be ready to take evasive action if necessary. By remaining alert and using defensive driving techniques, you’ll be better equipped to avoid accidents.
Plan Your Route Beforehand
Know where you’re going before you get behind the wheel. This will help you avoid getting lost and will also help reduce stress while you’re driving. In addition, route planning could alert you to specific hazards on the road for the day.
Limit Your Driving Time In Poor Visibility
If possible, avoid driving in poor visibility conditions. This includes driving at night, in heavy rain or fog. If you must drive in these conditions, take extra care and allow yourself more time to reach your destination.
Never Drive While Under The Influence
It goes without saying that you should never get behind the wheel while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Not only is this illegal, but it’s also extremely dangerous. Driving while intoxicated significantly increases your chances of being involved in an accident. If you must drink, always use a designated driver.
Keep An Eye On Fatigue
It’s important to stay alert while you’re driving. If you start to feel tired, pull over to a safe location and take a short break. It’s also a good idea to avoid driving late at night when you’re more likely to feel fatigued. The most important aspect of avoiding fatigue whilst driving is to acknowledge it when it comes. Many people don’t pay attention to their fatigue levels and only realize they’re in trouble when it is too late. Always do a self-check to ensure you’re sharp enough to drive.
By following these simple tips, you can help make sure that every trip is a safe one. So buckle up, put down that phone, and enjoy the ride! Driving can be dangerous, but there are plenty of things that drivers can do to help reduce the risk of accidents and injuries.