Driving is a vital part of daily life. But, whilst driving is essential for getting from A to B, it is one of the most dangerous parts of our everyday routines. Cars and roads are dangerous; there is no doubting that – each day scores of people die or are injured on the roads.
Sadly, most of these deaths and injuries could be prevented, by more care being taken on the roads. If every driver took note of a few simple safety steps before getting behind the wheel, the amount of accidents, injuries and deaths would decrease.
Taking some simple steps could help to keep your safer on the roads, cutting road-related deaths right down. Have a think about it, would you be willing to make some changes to how you drive? Just think – do you want another person’s death on your hands?
It is all too easy to get distracted whilst driving. Incoming phone call, eating breakfast and fiddling with the radio buttons are all day-to-day driver distractions.
Whilst it is possible to talk on the phone and drive safely, a phone call can distract you from concentrating on the road. Why not just save the phone calls for when you arrive at your destination? Turn your phone off and pop it in your bag – that way you know it won’t be able to distract you.
Although you may be tempted to save time and eat breakfast on the drive to work, try not to, as eating whilst you drive can cause a lack of concentration. Anything that takes your attention away from the road, even for a second, will mean that you aren’t driving safely.
One of the main reasons drivers get distracted is because they don’t know where they are going. Make sure that you always work out your route before you get in the car – always ensure that you set your sat nav up before leaving your driveway.
Remember, distracted drivers are dangerous drivers.
Sometimes even the most practised drivers can panic, especially when dangerous driving conditions occur. It is important that you feel comfortable driving in all weather conditions, but especially in heavy rain, snow and ice.
If you feel that you don’t know how to properly handle hazardous driving conditions, make a point to change that. Do your research and read up, find out all the best tips for driving in particular conditions. Alternatively, book yourself onto a hazardous driving conditions course.
Merge into lanes safely
Not knowing how to merge properly into lanes can cause accidents. Make sure to stay calm when dealing with lane merging. Some people become overly angry when someone cuts in – don’t be that person, road rage is dangerous. Remember, at one time or another, we have all had no choice but to cut into a lane.
To merge safely, wait in line until it is your turn to join. Don’t push in, only merge when a space arises.
Yes, we all want to get to where we are going quicker, but it is not worth dying over. Speeding significantly increases your risk of being involved in an accident, hitting a pedestrian or getting a speeding fine.
Whilst you may think that when you speed you are in control and perfectly safe, it is important to realise that speed limits have been put in place for a reason. Have you ever found yourself speeding in a 20 zone? Did you stop and think that perhaps there was a school up ahead or the likelihood that elderly people would be crossing? Do you really want to be a driver who kills a child by driving too fast?
Take a course
If you are serious about improving how you drive and becoming a safer driver, perhaps you should attend an army accident avoidance course. Not only can a driving course make you a safer driver, it can also save your money on your insurance plan.
Taking a driver safety course is an excellent way to brush up on everything you learnt as a learner driver. Do you know how to work out stopping distances? Do you understand the road hazards caused by adverse weather conditions? Do you know what the legal alcohol limit is for driving? Driver safety courses cover all of these things – if you don’t know the answers it is a good idea to find out.
Don’t drive if you are tired
Did you know that being overly tired when driving, can be as dangerous as getting behind the wheel when drunk? If you are tired you won’t be able to concentrate properly, and, as a result, the safety of your driving will suffer.
If you can feel yourself getting tired, make sure to pull over and take a break. Although it may make your journey longer, it is better to pull over, have a nap, and make it to your destination in one piece.
Don’t drink and drive
You may think it is an obvious no-no, but the amount of drivers who are happy to drink drive is phenomenal. Drink driving is never acceptable; it is dangerous and irresponsible. There are no excuses for it – just because you live just down the road is not a reason to drink drive if you have been drinking order a cab. There is never an excuse for getting behind the wheel drunk.
If you are going out and know you will be drinking, think ahead and book a cab or nominate a sober driver. Don’t take the risk of driving whilst under the influence, it really isn’t worth the risk.
To become a safer driver, it is crucial that you take on board each of these steps. Whilst at times things like speeding and drink driving may seem tempting, they simply are not worth it.
If you find yourself driving at an excessive speed, slow down and think about whether you want to be responsible for taking another person’s life. Could you live with yourself if you killed a child?
Whilst driving is an important and exciting part of day-to-day life, it is essential that you remember the importance of staying safe behind the wheel.