Getting behind the wheel of your car may seem like a commonplace event, but it is likely to be the most dangerous thing you will do all day long. In the U.S., car accidents are the fifth leading cause of death. Your odds maybe even higher depending on where you live and what you drive, so make sure you're covered with an affordable car insurance policy.
Although you can't control the actions of other motorists, you have a great deal of control over how you operate your vehicle. That means you can increase your chances for a safe trip by following a few simple precautions. Here are 15 helpful tips to keep you driving happy. If you follow these common-sense steps, you will be taking the most important steps to ensure you avoid an accident. Here are the Top 6 Haunted Roads in India: Drivers/ Passengers should Avoid
Here are 15 Essential/ Helpful Defensive Driving Tips to Avoid an Accident:
1. Focus on the task at hand.
2. Slow down.
3. Take advantage of safety devices.
4. Monitor your blind spots, and stay out of others' blind spots
5. Don't drive drunk, buzzed, high, or low
6. Adjust for rain
7. Prepare for snowy weather
8. Respond safely to tailgaters
9. Always wear your safety belt
10. Limit your night driving
11. Cell phones are for emergency use only
12. Keep Up to Date on Repairs
13. Drive Passively
14. Limit your passengers
15. Cut out distractions.
1. Focus on the task at hand.
Don't let phones, radio, air conditioning, kids in the backseat, or a heated discussion with your spouse distract you from your job as the driver. Always pay attention to the road and your vehicle. The NHTSA ( National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) states that drivers under 20 are the most prone to distractions while driving, with 11 percent involved in fatal crashes while distracted. Here are the Top 7 Essential Road Safety Rules for Drivers
2. Slow down
The 2009 U.S. Census reported 33,808 fatalities due to speeding. The faster you travel, the longer it takes to stop, and the bigger the impact when you crash. But do travel along with the flow of traffic, as long as it does not exceed recommended limits. Read more about the 5 International Best Practices for Traffic and Road Safety for Fleet
3. Take advantage of safety devices.
Find a car with a high safety rating and a large number of airbags. Invest in the right child restraints and seat belt adjusters for your family, and don't forget to use them. According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), "Placing children in age- and size-appropriate car seats and booster seats reduces serious and fatal injuries by more than half. Read also How Fleet Management Software Can Help in Accident Reconstruction for Your Fleet?
4. Monitor your blind spots, and stay out of others' blind spots.
This is especially true of large vehicles, such as tractor-trailers. The rule of thumb is that if you can't see the driver in the truck mirror, he can't see you either. Accidents involving semi-trucks often prove fatal for the driver of a car. Driver Alert: America's 7 Most Haunted Roads
5. Don't drive drunk, buzzed, high, or low.
Even over-the-counter cold medication can alter your response times, so assess yourself honestly before deciding to drive. The average drinker can only metabolize one drink per hour. One drink equates to 12 ounces of beer, or 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of distilled spirits. If you are under the influence of any mind-altering substance, stay away from the wheel. NHTSA estimates 28 people die daily in the U.S. from drunk driving accidents. Read more about What is Reckless Driving? Is it a Criminal Offense? (Simplified)
6. Adjust for rain.
When the roads are slick and wet, especially in a heavy downpour or the first thirty minutes of a storm, your braking times increase. Turn off cruise control. Add extra space between your vehicle and other vehicles. Slow down as much as is feasible. Learn to detect and react properly to hydroplaning. Find out the Top 7 Essential Road Safety Rules for Drivers
7. Prepare for snowy weather
Slow down, and use snow chains if you see snow accumulating on the highway, but do not use chains on ice. If you live in an area where snow and ice are common, invest in winter snow tires. Always turn off your cruise control if you suspect ice may be present. Here is how Exactly How can you Protect your Fleet from Winter Hazards?
8. Respond safely to tailgaters
If someone is following too closely, add twice as much space between your car and the car in front of yours. This increases your ability to see and prepare for a collision. Then carefully and gradually decrease your speed to slightly below the speed of surrounding traffic, and try to move into a right-hand lane, to let the tailgater pass. Do not hit the brakes suddenly, unless you are forced to do so to avoid a collision. Explore What is a Dash Cam? Everything You Need to Know
9. ALWAYS wear your safety belt
Get into the habit of wearing a safety belt whenever you are in a car, whether as a driver or a passenger - no exceptions. Find out What is FMCSA? USA DOT
10. Limit your night driving
The risk of a fatal crash is three times higher at night than in the day for every mile driven. It's better to avoid nighttime driving until you are comfortable driving during the day. Read more about What Exactly is CSA Score (FMCSA DOT BASICs)
11. Cell phones are for emergency use only
One of the worst habits anyone can get into is talking on a cell phone while driving. Keep a cell phone with you in the car for emergency situations only. If you have to use a cell phone, pull safely over to the side of the road. Know more about What is a Good CSA Score? How to Improve my CSA Score (FMCSA)
12. Keep Up to Date on Repairs
A safe driver drives a safe car. Keep up to date on any necessary repairs, and you will avoid potential problems that can come from poorly maintained cars. Know why Average Vehicle Age on U.S. Roads Reaches All-time High?
13. Drive Passively
It kind of goes along with the phrase "defensive driving," but driving passively is the best way to keep out of trouble. Obviously, that is not to say that you put yourself in danger or make poor decisions. Explore more about California Driving Laws (Drivers Must Read Quick-Book)
14. Limit your passengers
The risk of a fatal crash increases with every additional passenger. When you're a new driver, it is best to limit your number of passengers. Also, Read Ride-Hailing OLA faces Ban over Safety Issues in London
15. Cut out distractions
A distraction is any activity that diverts your attention from the task of driving. Driving deserves your full attention — So stay focused on the driving task. Know-How Accurate is GPS Speed in a Vehicle Tracking System?
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