Roads are becoming more and more dangerous with the number of distracted drivers on the rise. You may think that you’re a safe driver, but the reality is that accidents can happen to anyone at any time.
With the vast majority of car accidents taking place due to driver error, it’s important to be aware of the things you can do to stay safe on the road. Here are six tips to help you avoid becoming a statistic.
c1. Drive Defensively
It’s always important to be aware of your surroundings while driving, but this becomes even more important when driving in heavy traffic or unfamiliar territory. Always be on the lookout for potential hazards and be prepared to take evasive action if necessary. For example, if you see a car speeding up behind you, it’s a good idea to move over and let them pass.
Similarly, if you see a car swerving in and out of lanes, it’s best to give them a wide berth. The main thing is to not put yourself in a position where another driver can cause an accident.
If you’re driving in heavy traffic, be sure to leave plenty of space between you and the car in front of you. This will give you time to brake if someone suddenly cuts you off.
2. Follow The Rules of The Road
This one seems like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how many accidents are caused by drivers not following the basic rules of the road. Things like speeding, running red lights, and making illegal turns are all major contributors to accidents.
So, make sure you always obey the posted speed limit, come to a complete stop at red lights, and use your turn signal when changing lanes or making turns. Not only will this help you avoid accidents, but it will also help you avoid getting pulled over by the police.
3. Watch For Other Drivers
Even if you’re adhering to the speed limit and following all the other road rules, you’re not guaranteed to be safe. Be especially careful of drivers who are speeding, tailgating, weaving in and out of lanes, or driving aggressively. If you see someone driving like this, give them a wide berth.
That will not only help you avoid an accident, but it will also help you avoid getting angry and succumbing to road rage. As stated by a leading Houston speeding truck accident lawyer, accidents caused by road rage are on the rise. This is likely due to the increased stress that people are under these days.
If someone cuts you off or tries to start an altercation, do your best to stay calm and avoid getting pulled into their game.
4. Don’t Drive Distracted
In today’s world, it’s harder than ever to avoid distractions while driving. With smartphones, GPS units, and other electronic devices, it’s tempting to try to multitask while behind the wheel. But, this is a dangerous mistake.
Research has shown that driving while distracted is one of the leading causes of accidents. So, it’s important to limit your distractions as much as possible. Put your phone away, make sure your GPS is set before you start driving, and focus on the road.
5. Don’t Drive Under Influence Or Tired
This one should go without saying, but it’s important to mention nonetheless. Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol will impair your judgment and reaction time, making you more likely to get into an accident.
If you’ve been drinking, make sure you have a designated driver or take a cab. And, if you’re taking medication, make sure you know how it will affect your driving ability before getting behind the wheel. Another major problem on the roads is drowsy driving. Pull over and take a nap or switch drivers if you’re tired. It’s not worth risking your life to try to push through the fatigue.
6. Take a Defensive Driving Course
If you really want to up your safety game, consider taking a defensive driving course. These courses are designed to teach you how to avoid accidents. And, they can be a great refresher, even if you’ve been driving for years.
Following the above tips will help you stay safe on the road. It’s important to remember that accidents can happen to anyone, even the best drivers. So, always be on the lookout for other drivers and stay alert while behind the wheel. And, if you ever feel like you’re in danger, don’t hesitate to pull over and call for help.