No matter how confident you are in your driving abilities, it only takes one mistake to cause a catastrophic problem. All driving, whether down the street or on a busy highway, should be taken as seriously as possible. By taking on the responsibility of having a driver’s license, you need to prove you deserve it. These defensive driving practices will help you avoid accidents.
Use your eyes
You should be looking all around for poor driving practices by others. Being a defensive driver means knowing what’s happening in front, behind, and to the side of you. Use your mirrors and scan ahead for people driving aggressively. Accidents can be best avoided by being able to react in time.
Drive sober
Operating the vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is unacceptable. Should you be intoxicated, you pose a tremendous risk to other, sober drivers. It’s also something that’s bound to get you in trouble with the law and your insurance company. Remember: a cab ride might seem expensive, but it’s much cheaper in the long-run.
Avoid distractions
Some find driving tedious and turn to distractions like their cell phone. However, a split second of looking away from the road can result in dire consequences. There’s no such thing as being mostly focused on while driving. You need to be completely focused at all times.
Get enough rest
Fatigued driving can be just as dangerous and intoxicated or distracted driving. Getting only four to five hours of sleep can increase your risk of a crash by 4.3 times. If you are nodding off even a little, you might be jolted awake by a sudden collision. You need to be ever alert to drive safely. Before you start your car, ask yourself if you feel awake enough.
Mind the weather
The best thing to do during a heavy rain or snowstorm is not driving at all. If you can’t avoid it, you need to know how to handle it. Remember to slow down, keep your distance, and have your headlights on. It will take longer, but it will be much safer.
Every day, countless drivers get into accidents due to negligence and selfishness. One accident is too many and can be avoided by being smart behind the wheel. Remember that the point of driving is not to get to your destination as quickly as possible with no regard for anyone else. It’s to ride alongside others in harmonious cohesion. With these tips, you can help make the road safer for everyone around you.
References:
https://www.firststatelawyers.com/delaware-car-accident-lawyer/
https://www.dmv.org/distracted-driving/three-types-of-distractions.php
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/policing/police/community-safety-policing/impaired-driving.html
https://driveproactive.com/5-dangerous-things-new-drivers-road/
