Driving is one of the most dangerous activities we do every day. There are currently nearly 20,000 auto accidents a day in the US. Even with the most experienced drivers, there is always the risk of getting into an accident. To minimize this, driving well and driving safely is imperative, and the following tips can enable you to be a better and safer driver on the roads.
Ensure your car is in peak condition
If your car is not in good condition, it could create problems on the road. Ensure your vehicle is in peak condition by getting regular maintenance, keeping up with repairs, and driving within the recommended limits of your vehicle. Driving a car in poor condition can lead to a breakdown, which can cause a traffic accident. If you’re driving a vehicle overdue for regular maintenance or has issues with its brakes or tires, you could be at a higher risk of a collision.
Follow a safe distance.
It is critical to follow a safe distance while driving. When following another car, leave at least two seconds of space between you and the vehicle in front of you. This way, you can give yourself enough time to react to sudden braking or swerving. In addition, try not to drive too close to the car in front of you, as it can be unsafe if the driver in front of you slams on their brakes. In poor weather or visibility, you should increase this distance to give you and other road users time to react in the event of an accident.
Don’t drive distracted.
Don’t drive distracted. Driving while distracted can lead to an accident. Driving while distracted can cause you to miss vital road signs and signals, leading to an accident. Talking on your phone, eating and reading while driving, and driving when tired can cause you to drive distracted. You must always have your full attention on the road to avoid collisions and be as safe as possible.
Use your signal lights.
Always use your signal lights to let others know about your next move. If you’re turning, change your signal lights well in advance. Not using your signals can lead to confusion on the roads. Over 2 million auto accidents are caused due to lack of signal use. You must let other road users know your intentions ahead of time so they can adjust their driving and accommodate your maneuvers.
Avoid aggressive driving
Avoid driving aggressively. Aggressive driving can lead to road rage and accidents. Driving aggressively is one of the leading causes of road accidents and leads to lower attention, reduced focus, and poor driving habits. Aggressive driving includes:
- Tailgating.
- Forcing our way across lanes.
- Excessive use of horns or signals.
- Driving to close other drivers in different lanes.
- Generally, making a menace of yourself.
If you cause an accident through aggressive driving, your car accident lawyer will need all the evidence to make a claim, and you may find yourself at fault if you were proven not to be able to control your temper behind the wheel.
Conclusion
Driving is something that many people do safely day in and day out. However, there are always ways to improve your driving skills and habits to ensure you are a better driver. And while you cannot control other drivers’ actions, you can improve how you drive and react to others on the road to ensure your safety and that of others around you.
Leave a Reply