Avoid Collisions When Driving
Driving a vehicle can be as safe or as dangerous as you allow. The majority of car accidents are caused because drivers are either not paying attention or not using correct driving techniques. If you force yourself to follow correct driving etiquette, then after time these habits will become second nature. You will naturally avoid collisions when driving, and anything else will just feel unsafe. Consider the following steps when learning safe driving habits.
Steps
- Confirm the directions to your destination if you are driving to an unknown location so that you are not forced to make turns, change lanes, or stop unexpectedly. If you focus on directions and not on road safety, you are more likely to cause a driving collision.
- Pay attention to the road ahead of you, especially when you are driving down residential or busy, car-lined streets. You should always be looking ahead, anticipating cars braking and people crossing the road. Ideally, you should be aware of what's going on up to 15 to 20 seconds ahead of you so you can respond accordingly and safely.
- Avoid distractions like your cell phone and other people in the car. With text messaging becoming so popular, many states are making it illegal to text while driving so as to avoid driving accidents. If you are afraid you may be tempted, put your phone away. Consider investing in a Bluetooth so you can use the phone hands-free. Don't be distracted by children. Explain that they need to stay quiet while driving. The sooner they understand safe driving, the better. If children become unruly, pull the car over when it is safe and deal with them.
- Don't drive too close to the back of other vehicles. You should be able to see the back tires of the car in front of you touching the road.
- Accommodate for bad weather, and avoid driving altogether when the roads are wet, slushy, foggy, or slippery, if at all possible. If you are forced to get on the road, drive slowly, brake sooner, and increase the distance between you and the driver in front.
- Don't lose your cool with other drivers. It is safer to just let obnoxious drivers pass on by. Getting aggravated will only negatively impact your driving and possibly cause a car accident.
- Remember that you have a blind spot over your shoulder, so if you are taking a corner or changing lanes, don't rely on your mirrors alone. When safe, look over your shoulder and confirm that it is clear for you to make your move.
- Check your rear-view mirrors every 5 - 8 seconds, especially when you are slowing down, so that you are aware of what is going on around you. And always use your signals so other drivers know what you are doing.
- Maintain your vehicle on a regular basis. Check your tire pressure, wipers, wiper fluid, lights, and brakes often, but especially before heading out on long journeys. Always keep your inspections up to date.
Tips
- Tap your brakes quickly if you are forced to stop suddenly. This will warn the driver behind to slow down also. Just remember to leave enough room between you and the car in front so you can execute this maneuver safely: brake hard, tap to warn, and brake softly to slow to a stop.
Warnings
- Don't drive when you are tired, have been drinking, or your judgment is impaired in any way.
