Driving is something that once you have gotten good at it, you might slowly slip into autopilot. This is true especially for those who are in their 30s and beyond. Sure, you must have given great attention when you were getting your license but with time, you might have started to become a little less diligent just because you got more comfortable behind the wheels. And this is what causes accidents. Therefore, no matter how skilled you get, you should always pay heed when driving as it would keep you and others safe. Also, you must never ever ignore the major tenets of road safety.
You might be surprised to know that every year, over 32,000 people die in motor vehicle accidents in the United States. So, if you just follow some basic road safety rules, you will be able to make a huge impact in minimizing accidents. With that said, here are a few safety tips that you should always keep in mind while driving.
1. Minimizing Distractions
Sometimes even the most experienced of drivers get into accidents. There are also numerous TV programs that show different accidents caused by a driver’s negligence. And I have seen a lot of them on different channels thanks to my Spectrum gold package. But the number one reason behind these accidents is because the drivers were simply distracted. You see, people usually have a habit of looking at their phones whenever they are driving. And when they do that, it drastically increases the chance of a crash. Therefore, you should totally avoid using your phone whenever you are in the driver’s seat. Also, you shouldn’t be answering calls whilst driving no matter how urgent the matter is. It is definitely not more valuable than your life.
What you should do is put your smartphone in driving mode. This will make the device send an auto-reply to anyone who tries to reach out to you when you are driving the car. Apart from phones, there are also other distractions that can take your attention such as the food you are eating, or children in the back seat arguing.
2. Wearing a Seatbelt
Seatbelts are important. They save lives. And you should never ever forget wearing them whenever you set out on a drive. It doesn’t matter if you are just driving down the street or going on long drives, you must buckle up. This is because if you are unfortunately involved in a crash then the seatbelt is what will keep you inside the vehicle and would save your life. It will prevent you from getting injured.
3. Avoiding Substances That Might Affect Your Response Time
Everyone knows that it’s a dumb idea to drink and drive. After all, alcohol impairs your reasoning, thinking, and muscle coordination all of which are required when you are driving a vehicle. Plus, consuming alcohol will have an effect on your response time and would significantly decrease your ability to make safe choices. But apart from drinking, there are other substances that could prove to be just as dangerous such as marijuana. It will slow down your reaction time and you will not be able to make decisions wisely.
4. Resisting the Need for Speed
It’s true that speed thrills but you should also be aware of the fact that it kills. And while you may be tempted to drive faster, it’s best if you don’t because you will not only become a threat to yourself but others as well. Hence, you should always consider driving at the same speed as other cars around you and blend with the flow of traffic. But this doesn’t mean that you have to speed up just because you see some unruly drivers doing that.
Conclusion
Usually, when people get pretty adept at driving, they tend to not pay much attention whenever they are on the road. Plus, they might not also follow some rules which can keep them and others out of harm’s way. If you are one of them then you must think about changing your ways. You have to realize that if you don’t abide by the rules then you are putting yourself at a huge risk. So, it’s best if you consider some of the tips above so you can drive safely like a responsible citizen.