An Easy Guide To Becoming A Safer Driver
Driving is one of the riskiest activities that many people do on a daily basis.
Fortunately, there are things you can do to become a better driver. Here are ten easy ways to improve your driving skills!
1. Grasp the real risks involved
It’s so easy to forget just how risky driving is. Indeed, some people seem to forget so completely that they feel it’s fine to do things like text and drive. In particular, Texas, California, and Florida are the states with the most texting and driving accidents on record. With each one having an accident rate per 100,000 people of 16.7 or above!
However, just because you find yourself driving in another state from the ones listed above, doesn’t mean you can text and drive, as it’s dangerous wherever it takes place. The key takeaway here is that no matter what state you live in texting and driving is always a totally no-no if you want to be a safer driver.
2. Understand And Follow Signs And Signals
Ensure that you understand what all of the signs mean along the roads that you drive on frequently because these could change without any warning whatsoever. Make sure to read signs carefully and to make note of any changes. Also, try to learn what each type of traffic signal (i.e. stop sign, yield sign) means and how to behave when you see one of them because failing to do so could lead to a serious accident if another driver fails to acknowledge your actions – or lack thereof – during this time period.
Once you know the meanings behind each type of traffic signal, stick close to these guidelines and let other drivers around you know that you are doing so by making sure that your turn signals are working properly as well as using your emergency flashers when necessary. This knowledge is particularly useful when traveling through Midwestern highways, especially the ones passing through Oklahoma state, where vehicle traffic gets more congested. If you have been involved in a truck accident in Oklahoma, it is best to consult a truck accident lawyer in Midwest City or the city where the accident took place. Accidents involving trucks can be complicated at times, and you will need expert legal advice on what action you need to take. If you get involved in a minor accident or receive a warning from a law enforcement officer for not following these rules correctly, take the opportunity to learn what you did wrong so that it will not happen again in the future.
3. Focus on Driving, Not Distractions
When you drive, focus on driving. Do not engage in distracting behavior like texting or playing loud music. Make sure your hands are at the correct position on the steering wheel and try to avoid rapid acceleration and braking movements. Avoid changing radio stations or adjusting temperature controls while you are driving as well because both of these actions will take attention away from what is happening around your car and increase the chances of an accident occurring as a result. Ensure that your car is in proper working order before you start driving and that your tires are filled to the appropriate pressure.
If you become distracted while you are on the road, pull over into a safe space and stop your vehicle. Removing yourself from the flow of traffic will ensure that other drivers can go around you safely. After everyone has passed, turn on your hazard lights and call for assistance if necessary. Then, once help arrives or when it is appropriate, return to driving as usual.
4. Drive Defensively And Predict Road Conditions
The best thing that you can do to prevent accidents while driving is becoming a defensive driver and always knowing what other drivers around you might do next in order to avoid any possible collisions. Try changing lanes when necessary and do not hesitate to pull off onto the shoulder if there is a backup and you need to get out of the way quickly.
While driving, make note of potholes and other road hazards which may be in your path. If you feel that another driver might not see one of these potholes or hazards, try slowing down or changing lanes in order to keep yourself and everyone else on the road safe from damage to their vehicle. Of course, if you do end up getting a flat tire after hitting a large bump like this, it is best just to stay in your lane and wait for traffic to clear so that you can properly move over to the shoulder when necessary.
5. Ensure Proper Visibility And Alignment Of Interior Mirrors
Make sure that you are able to easily see out of your windows at all times while you are driving because this will enable you to drive safely and efficiently. Ensuring that your windows are free from obstructions even if they are rolled down is also important. If any type of interior gear cover or exterior lamination is blocking your view, remove it immediately by either rolling up the windows or removing the obstruction entirely.
When checking to ensure that your external mirrors match up with what you can actually see through them, check both these external mirrors as well as the internal, rearview mirrors. This will ensure that you have a complete view of what is going on around your car at all times and allow you to make any necessary changes accordingly. If you need assistance with this or anything else pertaining to your car’s safety features, do not hesitate to turn to a mechanic for help.
Always keep these safety tips in mind when driving on the road and make sure that everyone around knows what their responsibilities are to drive safely as well. After a little practice, you should find yourself becoming a very defensive driver and able to ensure the safety of everyone around you – just remember that it’s always better to be safe than sorry!
