Whether you are a new, first-time driver or an experienced road user, there are probably ways you could improve your driving. Road safety is super important. Sadly, road accidents cause thousands of injuries and fatalities every year. Many of these incidents could be avoided if people were just a little safer on the roads.
So, how does one improve their driving safety? We’ve spoken to experts in the field of road safety and law to bring you a few clever tips. Follow this and they will help you become a better and safer driver on the road.
Don’t Tailgate
There are so many accidents caused by tailgating. Tailgating, as described by Gemma, a road incident law specialist from https://kerleyschaffer.com/can-you-sue-rear-end-collision is “the act of driving far too close to the driver in front, causing many serious accidents and then many, many lawsuits.” Simply put: keep your distance! If you are too close, you will not react in time to stop yourself in the event that the driver in front of you comes to an abrupt halt.
There is a handy trick you can use to avoid tailgating and help teach yourself what a safe distance is. This trick is called the two-second rule. Following another car, watch as it passes a specific landmark, something like a sign or bridge, for example. Then, count two Mississippi’s. If you pass the landmark before the two seconds are up, you are two close. This works at every speed.
Stick to Speed Limits
An obvious tip here, but one that should be mentioned regardless. Speed limits are there for a reason. A group of people has studied road safety and figured out the highest speed you should travel with the lowest risk, they have not just been plucked out of thin air to slow people down! This works in reverse, too. Don’t drive too slowly! If you’re only going 25 on a 55, you might take people by surprise and end up rear-ended with a nasty case of whiplash.
Don’t Drive Tired
Many of us think we’re invincible, especially when we jump in our cars. However, we are far from it, and let us tell you, if you fall asleep at the wheel you’ll be far from invincible. Tired driving is as bad as drunk driving. When you are sleep deprived you begin to lose your hand-eye coordination, concentration, and reaction time. If you really need to go somewhere, hop in a taxi or take a bus. It is not worth risking your life for a late-night drive.
No Calls or Texts, Please
In some places, it’s completely illegal to use your phone whilst driving. In others, it’s not, but that doesn’t mean you should throw caution to the wind and start having a text conversation while driving. Hundreds of severe accidents per year are caused by texting or operating a mobile phone whilst driving.
If your car has Bluetooth connectivity and you are able to answer your phone hands-free, that’s great. If you do not have this option, we recommend not using your phone at all. Picking up, holding, or otherwise using a phone is one of the most distracting things you could possibly do!
Pick Your Tunes Before Driving
Another distraction – sometimes also involving a mobile phone – is picking music for your stereo. Once again, this takes your eyes off the road, sometimes for longer than you realize. You can get distracted scrolling through options or trying to find a specific tune, band, or radio station. The advice here is simple: pick your music before you’re moving. This way you can’t be distracted and looking at a screen instead of looking at the road.
Don’t Drink and Drive
We couldn’t talk about road safety without mentioning alcohol. Sadly, thousands of people take to the roads every day after drinking in a bar, restaurant, or even at home. It is absolutely not okay to drink and drive, ever. Alcohol severely impairs your judgment, reaction times, concentration levels, and just about every other sense needed for driving. We all know this to be true, yet many, many people choose to ignore it and go on to cause fatal accidents.
These tips will help you become a better driver, make you much safer on the roads, and allow you to concentrate on your driving more. Follow this advice to reduce your risk of injury or death on the roads, as well as reducing the likelihood that you’ll end up defending yourself in court. Stay safe out there!
