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There are thousands of deaths worldwide as a result of driving-related accidents. Not only do they claim lives but the resulting injuries from survivors can be severe and life-changing. Many of these accidents are avoidable and the severity of injuries from others could be far less if the correct precautions are taken. It’s always good to be aware of Safe Driving Tips to help reduce the risk of avoidable accidents.
It can help to have a newer vehicle, one that’s less likely to cause you problems. It’s not always easy to purchase a new or newer car outright. Provided you have the means to cover payment for this you may consider taking out a loan for a car purchase so you’ve something newer to drive. In addition to the age of the car, other factors can influence the likelihood of an accident.
Safe Driving Tips
Brake Safety
When driving we will all experience moments where we will need to brake suddenly. It’s an impulsive reaction to avoid an accident. We must, however, be cautious when braking as we run the risk of locking and skidding. Allow a 4 second gap at least in normal conditions and double at night or during bad weather.
Keeping an eye on your brakes is important. Worn brakes will slow down the braking speed and could subsequently result in an accident. Warning signs include grinding or squealing. Places like Kwik Fit can check and change brakes easily as well as do MOTs where required.
Avoid Using Hands-Free Wearable Devices
It is illegal to use a mobile phone when driving. Instead, many drivers started using wearable devices such as Bluetooth earphones or hands-free kits in cars. These devices can easily distract you as you drive. Accidents occur in a split-second, a quick glance away from the road and a fatal accident could occur. It’s safer to avoid talking to others whilst driving. If you really have to speak to someone then park somewhere safe and turn off the car before doing so.
Children
Mummy are we there yet, mummy he took my teddy, mummy I need the toilet, mummy I’m hungry. Parent’s blood pressure will be slowly starting to rise whilst reading this an all too familiar scenario. Children can be very distracting, enough so in some instances to make us glance back to see what they are doing for a meer split second during which time the road ahead can change. It is important to make sure children are distracted, fed etc. to reduce the risk of accidents happening. You’ll find my post How to Travel Stress-Free with Kids helpful.
You can easily reduce the stress of school runs by carpooling with other parents. That way you don’t need to do it for the whole week and you can then free up time for other things that you need to do. It can also work well when it comes to having to get to work events. Taking carpooling in turns with colleagues can make frequent trips far more enjoyable and save you all money in the long run.
Be Observant
Learning to drive doesn’t end once you have your license. You’ll continue to learn as you gain more and more experience. Drivers need to stay focused, adjust to traffic, take note of potential hazards, and acting quickly accordingly. It is important to read the traffic and make sure you’re speed is appropriate for the road and obstacles ahead. Both hands should be used whilst driving to ensure you can react fast enough and readjusting to situations. Looking ahead will allow you to predict if the cars ahead will be stopping suddenly and allow you to take appropriate action in advance.
Don’t Drive Tired
You hear it often, the lorry driver fell asleep at the wheel, swerved across the lanes and hit another vehicle, you get the idea. Many accidents are caused by those that are tired and drift off at the wheel. It’s important not to go on journeys unless you are fully rested as it increases the risk of an accident.
Visibility
Fast-moving traffic can give drivers a false sense of safety. Therefore, avoid the urge to drive to close to the car in front. Otherwise, in case of sudden braking, you won’t have enough time to stop. Larger vehicles will have a blind spot behind them. They say if you can’t see their mirrors, then they can’t see you. Something to remember when driving behind a lorry.
Lights can help with increasing visibility but make sure these are not too bright to dazzle the driver in front.
Side Mirrors
Make full use of your mirrors. Properly positioned they can minimise blind spots and allow you to have a better picture of possible hazards. The road can change quickly and continuous checks will ensure you don’t miss these changes.
Timing
Being organised can help reduce the risk of a careless accident. Checking for traffic issues on the roads and allowing extra time is important and reduces the temptation to drive faster.
Summary
Ensuring we stay safe on the roads is every driver’s responsibility. Although we can take all the necessary precautions accidents can often be due to the carelessness of others that don’t. Being alert and aware of your surroundings, avoiding and reducing distractions as well as the other areas discussed will reduce the chances of a fault or non-fault accident occurring. There are numerous other tips that could easily be included.
What other Important Safe Driving Tips would you suggest?
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Written by Melanie Edjourian. Please do not use these pictures without permission x
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This list is great. Ensuring safety has always been my big thing and even more since I am a mama. I was terrorized to take my baby for a drive at the very beginning. I was checking the car seat like a thousand times to make sure it was safe. I totally relate to what you are writing. Thank you.
I haven’t drive for a while, I guess even though how careful you are, there will be reckless drives around. I can say I’m a defensive driver, and very observant, though I tend not to relax when I do that.I guess I just need to get used to it.
My feeling is that accidents don’ t happen so much due to the age or condition of the car; it’s more the fact that the driver is distracted, angry or in a hurry.
I miss driving, most especially long drives with lots of trees and the sea view along the way. If I will add something, that is to always keep your eyes on the road, even a few seconds off can become dangerous. Almost got into an accident because of changing songs on Spotify.
It’s been so long since I drove anywhere, I learned a few years ago but because I live in a city I don’t need to drive so I’ve not done it much, but when I do I’ll be sure to keep these tips in mind!
Thank you for sharing, I am sharing this with my cousin ,he need to see this before going to final road test
Number 1 rule of our house when kids go out and take the car – No gadgets! Keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road. Distracted driving can give rise to road mishaps. And always wear your seatbelts. I have also reminded my children to be courteous to other drivers they share the road with.
Thank you for the remind of how to drive safely. It’s perfectly timed since everyone is coming out of stay at home orders.
I really needed to read this, i am hoping to get my full license once the restricted are lifted. safety is essential
I like that you mentioned that hands-free devices can be very distracting and dangerous as well. It only takes one split second to get into trouble when driving. Blessings!
I cannot emphasize enough the “don’t drive when tired”. I remember once we had a LONG international flight and I started driving us home from the airport…. It was dark, I was tired, eyelids started dropping and I knew if I didn’t pull over we’d be in an accident. SInce then we’ve always gotten a ride to/from airports. It’s not worth driving tired!
People should be made aware from time to time, regarding these tips.
Good job buddy.
I agree that we should avoid Using Hands-Free Wearable Devices. It can be a distraction. Always wear the seat belt and have 100% focus on driving.
I agree with the point that we all need to be very careful while driving and these driving tips will help all of us!!
Great tips! we do all need it. I don’t drive myself but I strongly believe in safety on a road
These are good guides and it is best to learn this even I don’t drive. If you are feeling tired, a short 15-minute nap is best before continuously driving.
since 2009 i have refused to drive because of what could have happen to me. i didn’t take the precaution.. and i nearly had an accident. the shock of the incident is still in my body. your tips is nice and i have to read it well to learn the necessary things required of me.
This article is a very good reminder that we need to drive safely. These are definitely the factors that result in reckless driving leading to accidents.