We all want to be safe behind the wheel and this week is National Teen Driver Safety Week! Although young drivers should be extra careful, here are some safe driving tips we can all follow!
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Stay Alert
Driving is not a passive act, so you need to make sure you’re mentally alert to drive safely. It’s crucial to keep an eye out for other drivers, signs, and pedestrians. If you ever feel drowsy, you can always pull over for a breather, or stop for a coffee break. And for long drives, consider a drowsy driver device like our alertme® to keep you from dozing off. Another important factor is to drive sober: if you are under the influence, consider letting others drive or using a ride-share program like Uber of Lyft.
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Avoid Distractions
Another aspect of staying alert is making sure you’re truly focusing on the road. Unless you need your phone for navigation, avoid picking it up, and keep both hands on the wheel. Also, try keeping your entertainment volume to a decent level, especially to hear noises from your surroundings, like an ambulance siren.
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Pay Attention to your Environment
If you see dangerous or aggressive drivers, keep your distance and keep an eye on their behavior. Be sure to adjust your driving according to the weather, slowing down in rainy, hazy, foggy, and snowy situations. In general, try to stay within your lane and keep some distance between yourself and the car in front. A good rule of thumb is the 3-second rule to make sure you’re keeping a safe distance for yourself and other drivers.
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Prepare for your Safety
Make sure to prioritize your safety by buckling up before starting your drive, adjusting your seat, and checking all the safety measures in your vehicle. Also stock up on safety devices, like the resqme® car escape tool in case of an emergency, to quickly free yourself from an entrapment.
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Follow the Rules
Always try maintaining a safe driving pace, considering traffic conditions and speed limits. When approaching a stop-light or stop-sign, come to a full stop and remember that the right-of-way is always given to pedestrians first.
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Keep your Car Up-to-Date
One of the most important things to keep you safe behind the wheel is making sure your car is in a safe condition. Pay close attention to any warning signals from your car regarding maintenance, gas levels, and any other fluids your car needs to operate.
These are just a few ways to increase your safety in the car, both for yourself and other drivers! Despite your efforts, you might be put in a dangerous situation—remember to stay calm and prepare for these scenarios to stay as safe as possible!
