If you’re new to driving, you may feel a little nervous about getting behind the wheel. While it’s true that accidents can happen to anybody, there are several tips you can follow to drive safely and do your best to avoid them. So, in the guide we are going to list for you some of the best steps you can follow to safely drive on any road no matter which type of car you’re driving.
Tips On How To Safely Drive On Any Road:
-Wear your seatbelt for safety: Seatbelts are an essential part of safe driving. So, before you start driving consider putting on your seatbelt and make sure everyone else in the car is wearing theirs. If you have children in the car, check to make sure they’re buckled in properly.
-Follow the speed limits for your safety: Driving at high speed makes it difficult to control your vehicle and react if you need to avoid an accident. In fact, speed limits are designed to help keep you safe on the road. So, keep an eye out for the posted signs and make sure you follow the speed limit.
-Always stay alert & keep your eyes on the road when driving: Distracted drivers are the leading cause of car accidents today. In fact, nearly 80% of crashes occur within 3 seconds of being distracted. So, stay focused on the road at all times so you can react and avoid potential accidents. If you’re drowsy or tired, pull-over to grab a cup of coffee or rest until you feel awake enough to drive.
-Use a 3-4 second rule to keep a safe distance: Try keeping a 3-4 second distance between you and the vehicle in front of you. This important because the most likely place for you to get in an accident is right in front of you. So, use this rule to help maintain enough distance so you can safely stop and avoid accidents. Additionally, increase on your following distance for an extra second in conditions such as rain and fog or when you’re driving at night & following a large truck.
-Watch-out for other drivers on the road: Be considerate of other drivers but also be mindful of them. Don’t assume that other drivers can see you or will move out of the way to allow you to turn or change lanes. So, if you assume that other drivers will make mistakes then you’ll be more prepared to act when they do.
-Try keeping an eye out for motorcycles & bicycles: Pay extra attention to motorcycles and bicycles when they’re near your car and remember to use your turn signals to alert them if you plan to make a turn or slow down. Add an extra second of following distance to motorcycles as well. This will actually give you extra time to slow down if you have to suddenly stop.
-Use turning-signals whenever you turn or change lanes: Turn signals tell other vehicles around you that you plan to change lanes or make a turn. They also give other drivers a chance to prepare to slow down or allow you to merge. So, be courteous and safe by always using a turn signal before you merge or slow down to make a turn. In fact, in some places failing to use your turn signal could get you a ticket.
-Consider increasing on speed when merging into a lane: Identify a gap between cars and avoid slowing down. Put on your turn signal and increase your speed until you reach the gap. Additionally, use your mirrors and turn your head to make sure the opening is clear then move your car into the lane and maintain your speed.
-Use the left lane for passing: Change lanes and speed up to get around slower vehicles. Put on your turn signal & wait for an opening so that the lane is clear and then move into the left lane. Try speeding up and passing the vehicle while putting your turn signal on. Wait for an opening and then merge back into the right lane. All in all, save the left lane for passing only.
-Always check your mirrors and blind spots: Every car has blind-spots where mirrors can’t see. So, always check behind you before you change lanes or back your car out in-order to prevent accidentally hitting anything. All in all, always keep a lookout for the things you may miss while driving.
-Pull over if you need to reach for something in the car: Apart from using phones, reaching for objects is another leading cause of distracted driving. So, consider pulling over for a moment in-order to grab anything in the car safely
-Always put the phone away when driving: Smartphones are the number one distraction out on the road. In fact, checking your phone for just a moment can take your eyes off the road and long enough to cause an accident. So, consider placing your phone in your bag or center console while you’re driving so that you don’t get tempted to use it. You may also set it to “Do-Not-Disturb” so that you don’t hear any alerts while you’re driving. All in all, pull over or wait until you get to your destination to check your smartphone.
-Don’t drink and drive: Drunk drivers can cause life-threatening accidents. So, if you’re drunk, play it safe and have somebody else drive. In case you don’t have anybody else to drive then call a cab or use a ride-sharing app like Uber.
-Always keep the car well-maintained: Preventative maintenance can actually keep your car operating safely. Try to always check your tire pressure as well as the tread on your tires. Likewise, make sure your car’s fluids are filled and your battery is working. Lastly, check your owner’s manual and follow the maintenance schedule listed in it to keep your car performing safely and properly.