You may have taken thousands of drives and become confident in your driving, yet there exists a risk factor. Just because you have driven so far without any accidents doesn’t mean you might not get into one. A motorist might do everything right, and yet accidents might occur due to external factors. Defensive driving techniques can protect yourself against possible collisions caused by bad drivers, drunk drivers, and poor weather. While it’s unreasonable to think that you won’t ever get into an accident, practicing defensive driving techniques can minimize the chances of getting into frequent accidents or at least reduce the damage sustained. Here are several defensive driving tips and techniques that you should use while driving:
Stay focused and alert
A very commonly known piece of advice is to stay focused on the road and remain alert. However, not everyone follows it at heart, and that’s how accidents can happen. Always keep your eyes on the road and maintain constant vigilance about it. Keep an eye out for traffic signals, follow traffic rules, look for road signs like speed limit, turning signs, warning signs, etc. Staying focused and utilizing the information on the road will be paramount in maintaining your safety. If you remain alert, you can notice dangers faster, allowing you to avoid them.
Surrounding
Checking the road alone isn’t enough. You also need to be aware of what’s happening around you. Keep note of the cars around you, the passengers, pedestrians, bigger trucks and so on. Review your mirrors now and then and check your blind spots. Someone might be trying to alert you of something, or something else might be happening. Many unexpected things can happen while driving, and it’s in your best interest to watch out for them.
Reduce distractions
There can be many distractions within your car while you are driving, which increases the chances of an accident when you are inattentive to the road. Turn off the music or radio in your car; it can be more distracting than you think. Also, put your phone on silent mode if possible. Getting distracted while talking to someone on the phone increases the chances of getting into an accident. If you are riding with passengers, it’s best to avoid too much conversation or arguing with them. By reducing distractions, you can maintain your awareness on the road.
Buy a car with a good safety rating
Prominent organizations rate a car on the basis of how safe they can be during an accident and how well it can minimize the damage. These tests are performed through potential crashes like frontal crash tests, side-impact crash tests, rear-end crash tests and roof strength tests for rollovers. It also accounts for the speed of airbag deployment and seat belt strength. Once the tests are completed, and damage measurements are taken from the sensors present on the dummy in the car, a car gets a safety rating. Remember that your safety should take precedence, so buy a car that has a good safety rating.
Use lights well to signal your intention
Cars come equipped with varying sorts of lights. Thus, it’s only obvious that you should utilize them properly. Actions like turning, braking, parking, overtaking, and warning can all be signaled through lights. If you don’t communicate fluently with others through lights, then accidents might occur. Using lights properly and informing other motorist about your next move will ensure that information flows clearly and prevent others from making moves themselves.
Don’t speed too much
It might be tempting to speed up to reach your destination sooner, but it’s seldom a good idea. Maintaining your speed along with the flow of the traffic will be enough. Faster speed means the car is harder to control and maneuver. If something happens while you’re going at high speed, it will be difficult for you to avoid. Also, keep in mind that the faster you go, the fatal the crash impact will be. Speeding significantly increases the damage to you and your car. It’s better to lose a few minutes than to lose your life. Likewise, it’s better to arrive at your destination a few minutes late than to arrive at the hospital.
Wear seat belts
Some people view seat belts as a hassle, while others disregard them completely. The importance of a seat belt and the safety it provides cannot be overstated enough. In the event of an accident, it minimizes any sort of damage the driver can sustain. Slowing down can significantly reduce any form of bodily or organ injury, and the driver will be relatively safe in most forms of accidents. Moreover, if the car crashes rapidly, it also prevents the driver from being thrown out through the windshield. Additionally, the seat belt works in conjunction with the airbags. If the driver jerks forward more slowly, the airbags will have sufficient time to deploy and further protect the driver.
Car maintenance
A sudden car breakdown on the road can be fatal, especially on highways or roads where everyone is driving fast. No matter how safely you drive, if your car doesn’t work properly, all of it can be useless. Correct oil, fluids, tire traction, brakes, working lights, wheel alignment and various other maintenance-related factors go a long way in making sure your car works properly. If you fail to repair any of them over a prolonged period, it can be fatal. Therefore, maintain your car frequently.
Don’t drink and drive
Drunk driving is something you should avoid at all costs. No matter how much you drink, it’s not safe to drive under the influence. Whether you’re tipsy or completely drunk, your senses won’t be the same. Not only will you suffer from loss of proper vision, sound, perception of time and depth, and other senses, your reflexes will also be slower. Drunk driving is one of the major cases where pedestrians or uninvolved people can be victims, including the driver. So, it’s important to be responsible while drinking and avoid driving. This is one of the most important driving safety knowledge for every driver.
