Driving becomes easy over time as you gain more experience and familiarity. However, there are still many dangers that can put you, and others on the road at risk of getting into an accident. Here are some of the larger threats you will find on the road and behind the wheel, as well as how to address them.
Distractions
One of the biggest dangers to driving on the road and contributes significantly to the number of accidents are the many distractions that can divert a driver’s attention. This includes a wide variety of different potential distractions, like using your cell phone, eating and having your hands off the wheel, or putting on makeup. Although they may differ in terms of what exactly you are doing, they all have the same negative effect that draws your attention off the road. Cell phones are particularly dangerous because not only are your hands preoccupied, your eyes are not where they should be. This is not to say it is better to do your makeup or be eating, as there are risks with those too, but that you should do your best to focus on driving as you are putting your life and the lives of others at risk. If you were on the road, you would want others to be paying attention as well.
Reckless Drivers
Another major danger that you will find on the road when you are driving is the behavior of reckless drivers. This puts many people in danger as these drivers tend to not care for the safety of others, or have a lower regard for life, their own included. These drivers are also narcissistic and believe they are likely invisible from injury and have a view that other drivers are on their way on the road. You cannot change this negative behavior, but what you can do is to drive safer and more defensively. Being aware of your surroundings and using your mirrors, you can potentially identify other drivers that are exhibiting dangerous tendencies and try your best to move out of the way. If a driver is coming up from behind at a fast pace, consider signaling and changing lanes to allow them to pass straight through. If drivers are swerving in and out of traffic, again you can change lanes or do your best to keep as much distance between you and the other driver.
Trucks
Not all dangers occur over negligence from distractions or bad drivers. One risk on the road is that of larger vehicles like freight trucks. Many large vehicles have a more limited area of vision where they cannot always see the surroundings. There are more blind spots when you consider large vehicles. This is why they are equipped with more mirrors, to try and compensate and create a better visual capability. However, as another driver on the road, you have a responsibility to take extra precautions around larger cars, as you should consider their inability to see you coming up alongside them. The lawyers at https://www.cd-lawyers.com/los-angeles-truck-accident-lawyer/rules-and-regulations/ have seen their fair share of accidents caused around trucks to know you need to take extra precaution. Be mindful when changing lanes from behind, as you will also have a difficult time seeing around them and what is ahead. Ensure that you have enough room when you are changing lanes ahead of trucks, as well as driving behind trucks, as they have a limited ability to stop in the event of an accident.
Dusk And Dawn Driving
When you are evaluating the risks and dangers on the road, you often think of other drivers being involved. One danger to consider is not another person behind the wheel, but the time and set off when you are driving. Much of driving safety and awareness comes down to how well you can see around you. During specific times in the day, and depending on the direction you are driving, the sun can create some difficult situations for you to navigate and lead to accidents. At dusk and dawn, when the sun is much lower, it can impede your eyesight, making seeing other cars and pedestrians extremely difficult. Also if the sun is not directly in front of you, it can also make using your mirrors difficult, shining light into your vision. You can counteract this with sunglasses, but it may not always work. If you do not feel safe navigating the road at certain times, consider leaving earlier or later when the sun is not at horizon level.
After many years, driving is an activity that becomes second nature to many people. This is because of all the mileage you will build. However, that experience can also translate to being overconfident behind the wheel, and forgetting to practice safe driving practices. Doing so will ensure that you and others on the road get home safely.
