10 Safe Driving Tips - How to be a Safe Driver
Driving has become a common routine that people sometimes take for granted. They forget what a major responsible it is to be driving and safe habits to practice while they are on the road. Whether you are running errands, driving to work or picking up kids at school, you just want to make sure that you will arrive at the location as soon as possible. Safe driving can do a lot not only for you, but also for other people on the road. When you get behind the wheel, you should pay attention to what is happening around you. Practicing safe driving tips can help you stay safe on the road.
1. Wear your seat belt properly
You need to wear your seat belt properly. If you don’t wear it correctly, the seat belt won’t protect you in case an accident happens. Make sure that the shoulder and lap belts are fastened comfortably. The lap belt should be worn on the hips, not on the stomach. Even if the car has an air bag, you should still wear your seat belt. If an accident happens, the air bag will not prevent you from being thrown out of or around the car.
2. Drive with two hands
Never drive one-handed. If you get into an accident, you might lose control of the car. You should place both hands on the steering wheel and look ahead to foresee any obstacles you may have to avoid. It is also important that you don’t pull away from a traffic light or sign until you are sure that the other drivers are following it or stopping. After the light turns green, you should wait a few seconds before driving again to avoid drivers who are ignoring a red light.
3. Place your mirror in the optimal position
Your mirror should be placed in the optimal position so that you can see behind and both sides of your car. Checking your mirror every 20 seconds is a good idea. The mirror would help you know what is happening around you. It is also important to check your blind spots. Some people change lanes without using their blinker, so you should be careful.
4. Watch the weather
You need to slow down if the weather is stormy. If you need to drive in fog, you should set the headlights on low or regular beam. If it is impossible to see the road, you need to pull as far off the street as possible and stop. If there is ice or snow on the road, you should break early and softly. It is also important to increase your following distance and turn carefully. If it is raining, use the air conditioner or defroster to prevent the windows from fogging up. You should also open the windows a bit and turn the lights on throughout the day.
5. Inspect the tires before leaving
Accidents can be caused by tire failure. Before you leave your home, you should inspect the tires first. Check if there is a shallow tread, spot cracks or worn spots. You should also inspect the tire pressure each time you get gas and keep a tire gauge in your car.
6. Maintain your distance
One of the most important driving tips to keep in mind is to maintain your distance. If you are going less than 35 mph, you should keep at least 2 seconds between your car and the vehicle in front of you. If you’re traveling over 35 mph, you have to keep at least 3 to 4 seconds between you and the other car ahead of you.
7. Don’t fall asleep
Never fall asleep when you are driving. Drivers usually fall asleep when they have to drive early in the morning or late at night. If you feel sleepy, you should open the windows to get some fresh air or turn on the air conditioner. You can also stop in a safe place and take a break until you’re no longer sleepy. If you are with someone, you can share the driving job with them.
8. Don’t use the breakdown lane when it’s not necessary
The breakdown lane should only be used when it’s an emergency. Accidents occur when drivers who are stopped in this lane are hit by other cars. If you only need to eat or talk to your phone, do not use the breakdown lane. If it’s an urgent situation, you should pull off the highway as far as possible and turn on then emergency flashers, use flares or place a warning triangle to ensure that you’re visible to other drivers. If you need help, you can tie a white fabric on the mirror or call the police or tow truck on your phone.
9. Don’t be distracted by passengers
Aside from making sure that you are not intoxicated, you should also not let yourself be distracted by your passengers while you are driving. Always have a plan to handle arguments inside the car. If all your plans failed, you should stop the car in a safe place and settle things down.
10. Don’t use your phone while driving
If you text or talk on your phone while driving, you will be distracted. If you have to use your phone, you should use a device that doesn’t require you to use your hands. You should pull off the road if the conversation is too serious or complicated.
Benefits of Safe Driving
Following these safe driving tips can save your life, your passengers and other people on the road. Aside from keeping you safe, driving safely also helps you save gas. For instance, following the speed limit can help improve the fuel efficiency of your car. This is because following the speed limit will reduce the amount of drag that’s placed on the car by the air. This will allow your car to move unrestricted through the air. Better aerodynamics can also lead to better gas mileage.
While not every accident can be prevented, you can reduce the chances of you being the cause of an accident. This can lower your insurance premiums. Practicing safe driving tips can also help you avoid getting a ticket. So, drive safely and save a lot of money in return.