Our roads are more congested than ever, and most traffic fatalities are now caused by human error. You can never rule out the possibility of an accident. Even when you drive safely, you can’t control the decisions of other drivers. Regardless, you can do some basic things to significantly reduce the risk of being involved in a traffic accident. If you find yourself driving regularly, keep these tips in mind.
- Drive defensively, not aggressively.
Many people often misunderstand the concept of defensive driving. They think that it means driving slowly and cautiously to avoid any potential accidents. If you, unfortunately, get into an accident, the team behind www.dsslaw.com advises that you get a personal injury lawyer that is properly skilled and in a position to help you. While driving slowly and carefully is part of it, defensive driving is much more than that. It’s about being aware of your surroundings and anticipating the actions of other drivers. It’s about being prepared for anything that might happen on the road.
Some essential defensive driving tips include:
- Always use your turn signals, even if you think no one is around.
- Don’t tailgate. Leave plenty of space between you and the car in front of you.
- Be aware of blind spots. Check your mirrors regularly and do a shoulder check before changing lanes.
- Use extra caution when driving in bad weather or at night.
- Don’t drive distracted. Put away your phone and focus on the road.
- Obey the speed limit and drive at a safe speed for conditions.
Speeding is one of the leading causes of accidents. It’s also one of the easiest things to avoid. Just obey the posted speed limits, and you’ll significantly reduce your chances of being involved in an accident.
There are times when the posted speed limit might be too fast for conditions. If it’s raining, snowing, or foggy, slow down. It’s better to get where you’re going a few minutes later than not.
Additionally, you want to adjust the speed depending on the condition of your car. Take it easy if your tires are bald or your brakes are worn. Going too fast could make it difficult to stop in an emergency.
- Don’t drive under the influence
This should be a no-brainer, but it’s worth repeating. Never get behind the wheel if you’ve been drinking alcohol or taking drugs. Not only is it illegal, but it’s hazardous. You’re putting yourself and everyone else on the road at risk.
If you plan on drinking, designate a sober driver ahead of time or take a cab or Uber. Although you may be confident in your abilities, it’s not worth taking the chance. Even when you drink below the legal limit, alcohol can impair your judgment and reaction time.
Some medications can also impair your ability to drive. If you’re taking prescription drugs, check the label for any warnings. Many over-the-counter medications can also cause drowsiness. If you’re tired, it’s best not to risk it and find another way to get where you’re going.
- Leave enough space between your car and other drivers
Tailgating is one of the leading causes of accidents. If the vehicle in front of you suddenly stops, you could rear-end them. This is especially true if you’re driving at high speed.
The general rule is to leave one car length for every ten mph driving. So, if you’re going 40 mph, you should leave four car lengths between you and the car in front of you. Just to be safe, double the distance if you’re driving in bad weather or on a slippery road.
This ensures you have enough time to stop if the car in front of you suddenly stops. It also allows you to react if someone cuts you off or swerves into your lane.
- Avoid lane jumping
Lane jumping is when you quickly switch from one lane to another without using your turn signal. This is extremely dangerous and can cause accidents. It’s also illegal in most states.
Sudden lane changes are also dangerous. If you need to change lanes, use your turn signal and check your mirrors first. Ideally, you want to be in the lane you need to be in well before your exit.
This gives other drivers time to react and gets you into the proper lane with plenty of time to spare. It also helps you avoid cutting off other drivers, leading to road rage incidents.
- Keep your cool
It’s easy to get angry when driving. Someone cuts you off, tailgates you, or drives too slowly in the left lane. But it’s essential to keep your cool. Losing your temper can lead to road rage, which can escalate into a dangerous situation.
If someone is driving aggressively, don’t engage them. Avoid making eye contact and don’t respond with aggressive gestures. If they’re tailgating you, let them pass. And if someone cuts you off, don’t retaliate by cutting them off.
It’s best to avoid confrontations when driving. Everyone is in a hurry, and no one wants to be held up. Just let it go and focus on getting to your destination safely.
Following these simple tips can help you stay safe on the road. Remember to observe the speed limit, leave enough space between your car and other drivers, avoid lane jumping, and keep your cool. And never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.