In the US, Car accidents occupy the fifth position in causes of death. Driving, however normal, remains one of the fatal acts you can do daily.
Always follow traffic rules and be cautious of your driving, regardless of your experience. It not only keeps you safe but keeps other drivers and pedestrians safe. Follow these five essential road safety guidelines and prioritize saving lives:
1. Always Stay Alert and Focused on the Road
Driving is a continuous motion that involves you and other road users. It should actively engage your mind, eyes, feet, and hands. You should avoid driving when your mind and body feel passive or fatigued.
Stay keen, check your mirrors and scan the road ahead and behind of you. You ought to watch out for aggressive drivers, learning drivers, road pedestrians, and debris.
2. Drive Defensively
Do not be dependent on other drivers. While driving, only trust yourself and expect others to make mistakes. Look out for your safety by avoiding assumptions on what they may do. Expect the unexpected while on the road, as some drivers are erratic.
Avoid assumptions by also being predictable. Being sudden or confusing in your movements is often distracting and invites collisions. Always signal or use blinkers and inform other drivers of your lane changes and turns. Driving is not a competition; better late than lifeless. Just yield in when not assured who has the right of way.
3. Obey Road Rules and Signals
Road rules and signals guide you towards better driving and road safety. Keep your eyes open to traffic signals like traffic lights and road signs. Respect the traffic lights even when the road is clear. Yellow lights should slow you down in readiness to stop. Most drivers, however, see it as an invite to accelerate before the red sign. Red lights and stop signs indicate you to come to a complete stop and wait.
Another commonly overlooked road sign is the speed limit. Speed limits are not a limit to your free, wild, or just in rush self. Rather, a carefully selected number to ensure safety for you and others.
4. Stay Patient and Don’t Get Reckless
Impatient and reckless drivers contribute to most of the accidents on the road. Whether in a rush, testing your driving skills, or intoxicated, safety comes first. It is vital not to drink or get high before driving. It’s a universal saying always to have a designated driver. That is in case you are out to have fun. If both you and your friends are uber influence, hire a cab.
Recklessness involves you driving too close, overtaking, and ignorance operating your vehicle. The greatest source of a collision is always ahead or behind you. Avoid tailgating and keep at least three to four seconds of space on other cars.
Always stay buckled up on your safety belts. It remains a lifesaver. In case of an accident, you can find your Florida accident report to assist you after your accident in getting your report.
5. Don’t Multitask or Get Distracted
A distraction seeks control of your attention from the main task at hand. Often. it can manifest itself in the form of multi-tasking. When driving, do not use your phone, set up music, interact with others or eat. Driving can be fatal. Remember always to remain focused on driving. The following are acts that would also build you towards being a careful driver:
- Slow down and pace yourself. Sudden speed bursts may lead to collision and confusion.
- Ensure your car is properly maintained and in top condition
- Plan your travel route and account for any stops or pullovers
- Account for the weather conditions. It is safe to be more careful during rain and snowy periods. Practice slower speeds, turn off cruise controls and check your tires.
- Let the road rage go. Anger makes us irrational and reckless. Calm down and avoid aggressive drivers.
- Secure any luggage that may move when driving. Always ensure your children are on safety belts and settled in before driving.
You are most likely not the only driver on the road. Stay considerate of other road users and respect them. Stay patient, focus, and always assume no one is safer than you are. Drive carefully and save a life.
