Once you’ve been driving for several years, it’s easy to get more distracted and be less cautious since driving will become second nature. A lot of accidents happen because of this overconfidence.
Whenever you’re behind the wheel, either alone or with passengers, safety should always be the priority. That’s why knowing the best practices for safe and responsible driving is crucial.
Here are five tips every driver needs to know when they’re on the road.
Cut Out Distractions
Since maintaining focus on the road is one of the major keys to driving safely, getting rid of all distractions is a must. Never use a phone or any electronic device while driving. If it’s an emergency, stop on the side of the road.
Fiddling with items in the car, eating, applying makeup, and interacting with the passengers are also things that can divert a driver’s attention from the road.
Don’t Go Over the Speed Limit
Speeding is one of the major causes of car accidents around the world. Driving at higher speeds significantly increases the risk of a collision. Research shows that by every mile per hour you drive above the speed limit, the likelihood of getting involved in an accident increases 4 to 5 percent.
The little time you think you can save by driving faster is inconsequential to the potential risks that are associated with it. No matter the situation, take your time because nothing is more important than your life and the lives of other people on the road.
Don’t Drive While Intoxicated
Drunk driving is another huge cause of car accidents and serious or fatal injuries on the road. If you get caught drinking and driving, going to jail will be a likely prospect. In that case, hiring a DUI lawyer like Trey Porter should be your first concern.
A person with a blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher is considered legally impaired. But alcohol can start to impair your senses even after one drink.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings
Avoiding inattentive and unnecessary tendencies while driving should put you in a better position to deal with bad drivers and unexpected circumstances like potholes or bad weather.
Additionally, as you’re driving, keep an eye on your mirrors and check them frequently. Scan the road and conditions of all the other vehicles near you. That way, if you see signs of aggressive driving, you can slow down and get away from it. Keeping an eye out for pedestrians, cyclists, and wild pets is also important.
Don’t Depend on Other Drivers
In a lot of cases, it doesn’t matter how aware you are and how safely you drive, someone else could crash into you. While it’s important to be considerate of other drivers, looking out for yourself is a bigger priority.
That’s why you need to be prepared for unpredictable turns, sudden stops, tailgating, unexpected lane changes, and people running through red lights. Plan your movements and be prepared to react to the worst-case scenario.
