Top 10 Do’s and Dont’s of the road
We all love the freedom and joy that driving can bring, but with that newfound freedom comes a lot of responsibility. Every decision you make could mean the difference between life and death for those behind the wheel or on the sidewalk. It’s super important to understand what we as drivers can do to help prevent accidents from happening, Which is why we’ve developed this list of the top 10 things you should and shouldn’t do on the roadway. From seat belt safety to tailgating, these tips and tricks are sure to help you become a better driver no matter where you are.
- Read and abide by all traffic rules
Traffic signs are a crucial part of driving. Whether there’s a sign to indicate an upcoming merge, a notice for upcoming construction work ahead, or a sign to indicate the speed limit, Traffic signals are important indicators for drivers to know what’s ahead so they can properly plan for it. Traffic rules are also helpful for directing traffic, notifying the driver of upcoming hazards in the roadway, and promoting safety within our communities. Drivers are required by law to abide by these traffic signals, and failing to do so could mean money out of your pocket for fines, tickets and potential court fees. Remember to be mindful of your surroundings and exercise precaution when passing a traffic sign.
- Watch your speed!
Most times when we are behind the wheel, we want to get to our destination as quickly as possible, which can be done if done safely. The faster you go, the less time (and distance) you have to stop, which can lead to a fatal crash if not given enough room to brake. The National Safety Council recommends keeping at least a 3 second following distance between you and the other driver. Try to keep a good following distance between you and the vehicle in front of you. If you are too close to a vehicle at a high rate of speed, gently lift your foot from the gas pedal and maintain a safe following distance.
- Always buckle up!
The number 1 safety item in any vehicle is the seat belt. Sadly, most people don’t use it when they enter their vehicle. A 2020 report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that 51% of accident related deaths involved people not wearing their seatbelts. In a crash, seat belts help to prevent anyone wearing one from sustaining serious injury from the force of an impact. Whenever you get into a vehicle, remember to always buckle up your seat belt, It could save your life!
- Check your mirrors and seats
When we are driving (especially for long distances) we want to make sure we are comfortable and that we can see every side of our vehicle, which is why it’s important to adjust your seat as well as your mirrors before you start driving. You want to be sure that you give yourself enough legroom to be able to brake and accelerate properly. It’s also helpful to be able to see properly behind your vehicle for passing vehicles so you know where they are and anticipate where they are going. Doing his will make your driving experience better and provide a safer environment for you and others around you.
- Have an emergency kit
No one likes to go somewhere without proper planning and packing the necessary essentials for the trip. The same thing can be said for a vehicle. No matter where you’re driving to, you wanna be sure you have an emergency kit prepared, just in case something happens where you need to jumpstart your car or refill your brake fluid. It is also helpful to pack food, water and clothing just in case you need to wait for an extended period of time for a service truck to arrive.
- Maintain regular maintenance
Vehicles have a lot of moving parts associated with them that work hand in hand with one another in order for the vehicle to run. If one of those parts loosens or breaks, then that can spell disaster and money for you. Regular check ups, oil changes and brake fluid/coolant level checks can help to ensure that your car is in running shape as well as potentially save you money in the long run. Regular tire rotations and refueling also help your vehicle to perform at its best and avoid breakdowns.
- Hands off the phone!
One of the biggest dangers when you’re behind the wheel is not on the road but rather in your pocket. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 1.6 million crashes happen every year as a direct result of phone usage. Looking at your phone while driving, even for a second, increases your chances of getting into an accident by almost 6x more than if you were drunk! The safest and most important thing to do before driving is to put the phone in the glove compartment or your pocket and keep your eyes on the road. Putting your phone on “do not disturb” and turning on the radio also help to reduce distraction.
- Don’t drive under the influence
Driving while under the influence is another dangerous habit that puts drivers at risk. Being under the influence doesn’t just involve alcohol (although it is a large part of it), it can also include drugs and lack of sleep. Driving while intoxicated greatly decreases your reaction time, increases your time to focus, and puts potential passengers and other drivers at risk. If you’re intoxicated, It is better to call for a Lyft or an Uber, or have a friend drive you home, rather than risk getting into an accident. If you are tired, pull over to the side and either let someone else drive or if you’re alone, rest for a few hours.
- Keep an eye on the sky
Weather can be unpredictable. Rain and snow can both have an effect on roads depending on the conditions, which is why it is important to watch the weather report or take a look outside before planning your route. It is best to drive slower under severe weather. Increase your following distance to allow ample time for you to stop. If under severe weather (hail, hurricane, high winds, etc.) avoid going out or plan ahead to prevent getting yourself stuck in a storm.
- Don’t tailgate
Tailgating is when you follow too closely behind a vehicle and is one of the leading causes of rear end collisions . As mentioned earlier, you need to give yourself enough time to be able to brake for another vehicle. The most popular method to use to prevent this is the three second rule. Find an object. And when the vehicle passes by it, count “one one-thousand, two one-thousand, three one-thousand’ if you pass the object before you get to three one-thousands, then you need to decrease your speed and increase your following distance.
We hope these tips and tricks will help you become a better and more confident driver!.