Driving is something many of us take for granted. Because it’s something we do every single day, it’s easy to forget just how dangerous it really is. That causes us to relax behind the wheel, which in turn can cause an accident.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a new driver or you have been driving for decades, it’s always worth your time to think more carefully about your safety on the road. That includes thinking carefully about these tips and how they can help keep you and your family safe when driving a vehicle.
Watch for Dangers on the Road
You should always keep your eyes open for dangers on the road. This sounds like obvious advice, but it is advice that is easy to ignore, especially if you take the same route to and from work every single day.
For example, potholes are an annoyance and a danger. They can damage your car, making it unsafe to drive. You should always keep your eyes peeled and avoid running directly into a pothole.
Other dangers to be on the lookout for include:
- Animals, like pets and wildlife
- Debris, like sticks and rocks
- Standing water that is deeper than it appears
- Black ice and slick driving conditions
- Man-made objects, like blown tires and construction equipment
Pedestrians Always Come First
Dealing with pedestrians as a driver can be frustrating. Although they don’t always technically have the right of way, that doesn’t mean you can run into them!
Pedestrians always come first, even if they aren’t following the rules of the road. Allow people to cross the street, even if they are crossing somewhere they aren’t supposed to. Give pedestrians plenty of space, and be mindful of cyclists who are sharing the road too.
Fortunately, most of the time, pedestrians follow the rules. Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination so you aren’t tempted to break the rules yourself when dealing with pedestrians on the road.
Avoid Using Your Cell Phone
You have probably already heard that you shouldn’t text and drive. However, most people believe that talking on the phone and driving isn’t a problem. After all, it isn’t difficult to talk to a passenger in the car while you’re driving. Why would talking on the phone be any different?
This is an incorrect assumption. Studies have shown that talking on the phone while driving is incredibly dangerous.
Think hands-free talking is better? A voice on the phone requires more concentration than talking to someone in person, which means you have less attention to pay to the road. It’s equally as dangerous, whether you use an earpiece or put that person on speaker phone inside your vehicle.
It can also be dangerous to use your phone to switch to a different Spotify playlist or update your GPS destination. If your car has Bluetooth capabilities, control these kinds of operations with your voice to make driving your car safer.
Be Prepared for the Weather
The weather is responsible for many accidents. Preparing for the weather can help ensure you don’t injure yourself or damage your vehicle.
That means preparing your car for winter in the fall. It includes things like:
- Replacing your wiper blades
- Placing a winter supply box in your trunk
- Checking your coolant and antifreeze levels frequently
- Checking your tire pressure and tread depth frequently
It isn’t just winter you need to be mindful of. If it’s forecasted to rain while you’re on the road, make sure you give yourself a little extra time to get to your destination so you aren’t frustrated if you need to slow down.
Maintain Your Vehicle
Your vehicle can have a huge impact on how safe you are on the road. Breaking down in the middle of the road or pulling over on the side of the interstate can put you at risk of an injury.
Regular maintenance on a vehicle includes regular oil changes, but it also includes replacing essential car parts according to manufacturer recommendations. It also includes getting ahead of problems before they become huge issues.
Going to your dealer is a great way to make sure your car is in good running condition because they automatically make recommendations based on the manufacturer. If you see a different mechanic, ask if they can conduct an overall inspection at least once a year to uncover potential problems.
Refresh Your Knowledge of the Rules of the Road
How well do you know the rules of the road? After our initial exam as teenagers, we never have to be tested again, which means knowing who has the right of way can escape our memory after driving for many years!
It’s a good idea to refresh your knowledge of the rules of the road. There are many quick online quizzes you can take to see what you remember and what you have forgotten.
It also means knowing the laws where you live. For example, many states are outlawing texting behind the wheel. It’s important to know what rules are specific to your state so you don’t unknowingly break them.
Stay Away from Bad Drivers
Sometimes, it isn’t you on the road you need to be worried about. There are a lot of bad drivers out there!
The trouble is, staying away from bad drivers is easier said than done. You don’t always have a choice! But when you do, you should always make the right one.
If someone ahead of you is swerving out of their lane, you should stay far behind to avoid being run off the road. Approach intersections cautiously, even if you don’t have to stop, and pass those who are driving below the speed limit safely. If you’re worried about another car causing an accident, take down their license plate and report them to the police.
Just because you make many safe trips in the car doesn’t mean one bad trip can’t happen. Reduce the chances of experiencing an accident and stay safe on the road with these tips.
