For many of us, driving is so natural that we don’t even think about it anymore. While it is great to be confident on the road, you still want to be mindful while driving to stay safe. Whether you are a seasoned driver or newly licensed, these tips will help keep you street smart.
Stay aware of your surroundings.
Even if it is on a road you drive down every day, you still want to pay attention to what is going on around you on the road and the sidewalk. People or animals may unexpectedly cross paths with you, so you always want to be prepared to stop suddenly or swerve safely out of the way. By remaining vigilant, you can minimize your chances of an accident.
Limit distractions while behind the wheel.
As we get more comfortable behind the wheel, we tend to multitask more. This can be dangerous because it takes away from your focus on the task at hand. Your first priority in the car should always be driving safely. Texting, emailing, eating, and drinking should all be done when parked safely off the road. If you need to make a call, always take advantage of hands-free options such as bluetooth or even speaker phone. Texting or calling while driving is against the law, so it is in your best interest to practice safe phone habits in the car to avoid getting a ticket.
Don’t drink and drive.
People experience lowered inhibitions when under the influence of alcohol, but this is no excuse to get behind the wheel drunk. This also goes for recreational and prescription drugs since these can inhibit your reaction time and motor skills. Driving sober is critical to keep yourself and other drivers safe on the road, which is why this offense is often coupled with fines or even jail time. Rather than taking the risk of injury or arrest, opt for a designated driver or a ride-sharing service like Lyft or Uber to get you safely from one place to another after a night out.
Take care of your vehicle.
We have all likely experienced driving around with the check engine light on, but this isn’t something you should ignore for too long. Postponing routine maintenance can be problematic for your vehicle and puts you at risk of experiencing an accident or breakdown due to mechanical failure. By getting your vehicle serviced regularly, you can ensure it is in good working order and avoid issues out on the road.
Be mindful of driving conditions.
While we can’t control the weather, we can control what we do in it. If there are extreme conditions such as pouring rain, sleet, hail, or snow, it is best to stay off the road until it has passed. It can be difficult to avoid entirely, so if you are driving and encounter these conditions it is always encouraged to slow down or possibly pull over if the weather is bad enough. Though it may be inconvenient, it is better to be delayed a few minutes than get into an accident.
Driving is so commonplace and easy for most of us, but this doesn’t mean it should be taken lightly. By continuing to stay aware on the road and practicing safe driving habits, you can minimize your risk of accident and injury. Even the safest drivers can still get into accidents, which is why Hohaia Law is here to help if you ever find yourself the victim of a car accident. Talk to Hohaia Law today to learn more.
Comments