Rash drivers can make the mere act of driving to work or the grocery store a terrifying experience. While there is nothing much that you can do about drivers who have no regard for the law or human life, you can keep yourself safe by practicing defensive driving. As you read on, you will learn about the various precautionary measures you can take to ensure a smooth and safe ride.
1. Stay updated with the Latest Information
Notably, as a responsible driver, it is your responsibility to stay up to date on all the road codes. Even though you may be aware of them, you need to realize that they are constantly updating and that you may not retain the same amount of information when you first learned them. Taking road code tests routinely is a fast and effortless way to ensure you know the latest road rules.
Furthermore, you can use the help from organizations, such as the Institute of Advanced Motorists, to practice driving with qualified instructors. If you have a defensive driving certification, the time on your restricted license will come down by 6 months. You can also lessen your chance of ending up among the 1.35 million people who die every year in road crashes.
2. Avoid Weaving Between Lanes
Impatient drivers weaving between lanes is a major reason behind most traffic jams. Shifting lanes in slow-moving traffic to get an edge is especially dangerous if you have large semi-trucks moving alongside you. If you live in Louisiana, though, you are in luck. If anything should happen to you, you can easily find an experienced semi-truck accident attorney in Louisiana who will help you build a strong case and recover compensation for your injuries. Their expert guidance will help you get justice in a timely manner.
3. Adjust Your Mirrors
Ensure that your mirrors don’t have a blind spot; this will let you clearly see the traffic behind you. A useful tip is to adjust your rear-view mirror so that the rear window is centered. Aside from this, you also need to check your mirrors constantly. Some experts recommend that you check them every five seconds to make sure you are aware of where other vehicles are at all times.
4. Scan Your Surroundings while on the Road
For people in the US aged between 1 and 54, road accidents are the leading cause of death. Across the country and around the world, hospital wards are full of people for whom the “vehicle came out of nowhere!”
Hence, it makes a lot of sense to do a quick scan of intersections before passing through them. Further, you must check the mirrors constantly to see if there’s a vehicle approaching. Doing so gives you valuable time to prepare for the oncoming vehicle; this could be the difference between whether you live or not.
5. Never Drive When Drowsy
Despite its obvious nature, many don’t seem to take this seriously. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, drowsy driving contributes to thousands of deaths and injuries every year. It is due to how being sleepy affects your ability to respond to dangers on the road in real-time. If you are tired while driving, it is recommended that you pull over and have a short power nap for around 15 minutes.
6. Be Considerate of Others on the Road
One of the best things you can do for your safety as a driver is to be aware of the traffic ahead of you. It will help you adjust your braking and acceleration further away, ensuring that you don’t crash into others. Avoiding tailgating is another step you can take as a defensive driver to prevent colliding into the back of other vehicles.
Moreover, keep in mind never letting others’ bad mood rub off on you when you are on the road. Road rage is contagious, and it has been responsible for many easily avoidable tragedies. To keep yourself safe and lessen others’ chances of changing lanes unnecessarily, make sure you drive at a suitable speed.
As a defensive driver, you also need to realize that not everyone drives as meticulously as you. Apart from following these tips, it is crucial that you restrict your distractions before you hit the road; put your phone in flight mode, and set up your music and GPS beforehand to ensure that you won’t have to take your eyes off the road while driving. Preparing for potential road hazards and holding yourself accountable for your safety can go a long way in ensuring that you reach your destination safely. Remember, it is vital that you and your passengers buckle up before even starting your vehicle.
