10 Tips for Safe Driving in 2022
Whether you are a first-time driver or an experienced driver, it is necessary for you to practice safe driving. Just because you have earned your driver’s license or have a clean driving record does not make you a good driver. You must also be able to watch for yourself and others on the road. Safe driving habits can help you prepare for and avoid accidents. According to the CDC, in 2020 alone, more than 40,000 people (approximately 110 people every day) are killed in vehicle-related crashes in the United States. For the many reasons why accidents happen, the climbing number is a warning for future drivers to take precautions as they head out on the road.
We want every one of you to commute safely on your future journeys. So, we are here to help! Our 10 tips and tricks will guide you to make road safety decisions and watch out for accidents. Put these 10 tips and tricks into action so that you can manage a safe driving experience and keep the numbers low.
Tip #1: Stay Alert and Alert Others
Driving safely requires you to pay close attention to the road. Watch out for what is happening ahead and around you. This includes checking your side and rear mirrors of ongoing traffic.
As you remain alert to your surroundings, it is also your duty to alert others by signaling your intentions. Other drivers cannot read your mind. As you read their moves and know what they are doing, you should also inform them of your moves. Whether you are making a turn, changing a lane, or pulling over for an emergency, use your turn signals and hazard lights appropriately to signal your intentions. Failure to alert others can cause confusion on the road leading to unwanted accidents and crashes.
Tip #2: Do Not Be Distracted
Any form of distraction should be limited to preventing accidents and establishing safe driving habits. The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) studies show that in 2020, approximately 3,142 people were killed because of distracted driving.
Whether it is a few seconds of zoning out or a physical distraction such as a phone call or text, you must remind yourself to stay focused on the road. The best practice is to keep your hands on the wheels and your eyes on the road. Even minor distractions like engaging in a conversation with the passengers can result in major consequences that you would not want to be involved in.
To avoid distractions:
- Do not call or text on your phone while driving.
- If you are in a passenger’s seat witnessing distracted driving, speak up to the driver. You can offer to help the driver by sending a text or making a call instead of letting them take the risk.
Tip #3: No Drinking Before Driving
You should never drive after you have consumed alcohol. According to NHTSA, approximately 11,654 people were killed because of drunk driving in 2020. Even under the slightest influence of alcohol, your driving ability will be impaired, making you more vulnerable to car accidents.
This form of behavior known as Driving Under the Influence (DUI) is a crime, leading to consequences including spending time in jail or suspending your license for a period. Just do not do it.
To avoid drunk driving:
- If you know you will be consuming alcohol, do not drive. Instead, ask someone you trust to drive for you.
- Before you consume alcohol, schedule a cab, or call a friend to pick you up later.
- If you know your friend is drunk driving and you did not consume alcohol, stop and drive for them instead.
Tip #4: Know Your Limitations
Know your condition before you drive. Perform a precheck on yourself to make sure that you are in the right condition to drive. Ask yourself: Can you make it through the whole journey? If the answer is no, for any reason, then you should not drive. You can ask a friend or family member who is capable and licensed to drive for you or find an alternative transportation method to get to your destination. You should never risk driving under conditions where you are feeling sick or drowsy. If you need to take any medications to make you feel better, it is also a sign telling you not to drive. There can be side effects to your medications that can put you at risk of an accident if you were to drive.
Tip #5: Always Wear a Seatbelt
No matter how long your ride is or where you are sitting in the vehicle, it is always good practice to wear your seatbelt, if you are not already doing so. The NHTSA found that in 2020, 51% of the 23,824 passenger vehicle occupants were killed in car accidents because of a missing seatbelt. While many believe that airbags are useful, do not count on airbags as your only source of protection. They are not as helpful as having double security with your seatbelt. In case you encounter an accident, seatbelts can help reduce your level of harm. Wear your seatbelt and make sure it is worn properly with the strap over your arm.
Tip #6: Avoid Aggressive Driving
Aggressive driving is considered a traffic offense where drivers participate in unsafe driving behaviors. Behaviors of aggressive driving are not limited to speeding, intentionally aggravating other drivers, initiating conflicts, tailgating, or using rude gestures and language. These behaviors can be dangerous, leading to car accidents.
If you see someone performing aggressive driving, you should:
- Stay calm – remain clear minded and avoid making gestures to anger others.
- Do not engage – try to avoid eye contact and if needed, seek out help by calling 911.
- Adjust your attitude – stay cool and do not take other’s behaviors personally.
For more information on proper behaviors during road rage, check out the road rage brochure created by AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.
Tip #7: Maintain the Right Distance Apart
As vehicles make turns and change lanes, collisions are likely to happen. As a result, maintaining a good distance apart from other vehicles is essential to ensure everyone’s safety. If you follow too closely behind a vehicle, it reduces your chance to act in time if the other driver makes a sudden move or stops.
To maintain the right distance:
- Follow the three-second rule to determine a safe distance with the vehicle in front of you
- Select an object ahead of you (a tree or a roadside marker). When the vehicle in front of you passes the marker, you should allow at least 3 seconds for you to pass the exact marker. This ensures that you are a safe distance with the vehicle in front of you.
Tip #8: Watch Out for Bad Weathers
Driving, in general, requires your full attention to the road and your surroundings. Likewise, under bad weather conditions including fog, heavy rain, or a snowy storm, you will need to pay extra attention.
When driving on bad weather days:
- Drive below designated speed limits.
- Activate your turn signals to alert other drivers.
- Maintain extra space between you and other vehicles to avoid collisions or tailgating (best to double the three-second rule).
- If the weather condition is extremely bad for you to continue driving, turn on your hazard lights and pull over to stop until it is safe to drive again.
Tip #9: Do Not Speed
Driving at a high speed makes you more vulnerable to accidents when you are unable to act in time. It is a dangerous practice that can cause serious injuries and crashes. According to NHTSA, in 2020, there are approximately 11,258 people killed in accidents due to speeding.
To avoid speeding:
- It is best to drive at or below the designated speed limit. Never drive above the speed limit.
- Watch your speed and do not run over red lights.
Tip #10: No Drug-Impaired Driving
Impaired driving under the influence of drugs including alcohol, marijuana, and opioids is not allowed. According to the NHTSA, 56% of drivers engaged in fatal crashes and accidents are injured because of drug-impaired driving. Not only are certain drugs illegal to have, but you are also risking your life under the influence of an unconscious mind or a slowed judgement and reaction time.
To avoid drug-impaired driving:
- Call a sober driver to drive for you if you plan to use an impairing drug.
- Call a cab or pickup service instead of driving yourself.
- If you know your friends are impaired, do not let them drive.
If you are not already doing so, follow our tips and practice safe driving habits to avoid crashes and accidents. Be sure to look out for yourself and others on the road and stay safe!
For more information on driving tips, visit our website at https://www.ferraridrivingschool.com/.