When it comes to vehicles, their use brings freedom, but, with it, an added responsibility. Every driver is responsible not only for his or her own life, but also for the life of the passengers, pedestrians and other drivers. Driving requires attention to detail due to the multitude of vehicles and accidents that happen daily. With the melting pot of different drivers and vehicles in today’s world, safe driving practices are a necessity. Here we outline some essential driving tips which, when executed, may aid in mitigating and preventing injuries.
Buckle Up
Wearing a seatbelt is one of the simplest and most effective car safety measures. WHO data reveals that “putting on a seatbelt reduces chances of death by a shocking 50% on the front seat and 25% on the back even on the rear side of the car.” While these statistics may be shocking, it is also critical to understand that seat belts help prevent injuries and ejection from the vehicle during an accident. For this reason, all passengers, regardless of their position in the vehicle, must wear seatbelts. Parents have the responsibility of ensuring children are properly strapped in their car seats.
While Operating a Vehicle Avoid Distractions
It is well-known that driving with distractions is one of the leading causes of road accidents. This can include everything from texting to even eating while driving. Once a person strays from a particular focus, the chances of facing unfortunate scenarios increases multi-fold. Eyes on the road, hands on the steering with full concentration at driving is paramount. To reduce distractions, the use of hands-free devices as well as the pre-setting of GPS devices before the journey commences can be very effective. Many nations have already implemented policies outlawing phone use while driving in the effort to foster concentration on the road.
Follow Speed Limits and Road Signages
Restricting speed enables a driver to respond appropriately to potential hazards. Each driver needs to control speed and limit reckless driving. Drivers and passengers rely heavily on how a vehicle is controlled; hence, reckless driving can cause accidents. Apart from the above mentioned, drivers need to follow other sign rules like stop, yield, pedestrian crossing, and traffic lights. All these barriers aim to help in ensuring that there is movement for all road users. If rules are not followed, the driver puts himself in harm’s way; collision, traffic offending tickets or if issues get worse death.
Maintain a Safe Distance When Following Other Vehicles
Tailgating occurs when a vehicle follows too closely behind another vehicle. Due to the increased likelihood of being involved in a rear-end collision, this is considered to be a very dangerous practice. As a general guide, there is suggested to be at least 3 seconds gap between cars. Depending on the weather, this gap can be larger. The gap left should allow enough time to respond to unexpected stops by the vehicle in front.
Drunk Driving Is Never Allowed
Driving with alcohol, drugs, or any prescription medication is very dangerous as they can strongly impair someone’s judgment, slower over time and movements, as well as coordination. BAC or blood alcohol content is irrelevant when it comes to driving under the influence. Being intoxicated while riding a bike or even walking has its consequences too. A person can get convicted for driving under the influence due to laws in most countries that have set rules against such behaviors, and these rules are enforced through driving fines, losing a driving license, or even facing imprisonment.
Vehicle Maintenance Should Be Maintained
Regular vehicle maintenance such as tire pressure, oil and brake levels, lights, and windshield wipers can prevent a vehicle from breaking down. If there are missed checks such as worn out tires and faulty brakes, the vehicle can become dangerous to operate. Repairing the automobile’s parts and doing a thorough inspection boosts its longevity. With routine checks, accidents that are caused by failing parts which could have easily been fixed are avoided.
Use Indicators and Check Blind Spots
Every vehicle on the road has a turn signal. Using indicators when turning, changing lanes and merging helps keep other drivers on the same page. If no one uses indicators, the roads turn into a chaotic mess. Before merging and changing lanes, a motorist must check their blind spots. Many cars these days come with blind spot monitoring systems. However, one will always need to turn their head to check.
Motor Vehicle Requires Extra Care When Driving In Rain, Fog, Snow or Other Poor Weather
Snow and rain are among the weather conditions that affect safety when driving over time. E.g. Rain, fog, and snow can greatly limit visibility and increase the slipperiness of roads. Drivers should remember to lower speed and add headway distance. In addition, headlights must be used generously, and the vehicle’s defrost system (windshield wipers and defoggers) must be set to improve visibility. In addition, drivers should avoid sharp maneuvers such as sudden hard braking or rapid sharp turns to avoid the chances of skidding and loss of control.
Reducing Driving During Night Time Hours and Fatigue
Night driving has its own complications owing to low visibility and the chances of hitting a reckless driver. If driving during the night is inevitable, assess whether the headlights are properly functioning and adjust your pace accordingly. Another critical issue is tiredness. Fatigue can be just as dangerous as intoxication when behind the wheel, leading to catastrophic outcomes. It is better for drivers to rest, get an alert driver in their place, or rest till they are refreshed before moving ahead with the drive.
Stay Patient and Do Not Drive Aggressively
Extreme (road) rage tailgating and honking at everything on four wheels will heighten the chance of an accident happening. Composure, especially in traffic, is vital. If you increase the distance in front of your car, where aggressive driving behavior can be anticipated, many of these problems and accidents will be avoided. In case you spot reckless driving, make every effort to avoid confronting that driver and allow them to pass you.
⦁ Make use of your GPS & Smartphone Applications to Navigate Way Before The Journey Commences
Making spontaneous choices while traveling can result in getting lost, which can lead to unexpected last-minute lane changes that may cause accidents. To help reduce stress while driving, setting the route in advance is a good idea. A smartphone GPS or navigation application can assist, as long as it is set prior to driving. Furthermore, having a physical map in the glove box serves as a dependable backup in case of technological failures.
Stay Up To Date and Informed
This is something that every driver needs to be aware of. Vehicle laws as well as technology changes al the time. Enrolling in defensive driving classes or even simply taking an updated refresher aids a driver in remaining current about policies and guidelines. As an example, newer drivers should know that skills and abilities are definitely something that they will develop over time. Being able to handle emergency situations such as a tire blowing out or a car’s brakes disengaging is extremely valuable.
Safety on the road is not just preventing collisions. It is cultivating a culture of consideration and respect for other road users. It must be added that some everyday risks a driver faces can be mitigated by wearing seatbelts, avoiding distractions while driving, and servicing their vehicles on time. Ultimately, safe driving practices saves lives; not just ours, but everyone on the road. There is always opportunity, even for the most experienced drivers, to learn and implement better driving practices. Remember, intelligent driving is safe driving.
