When you get right down to it, a car is a giant, 3,000+ pound metal machine with the power to cause a lot of damage. As drivers, we owe it to ourselves, our passengers, and other drivers on the road to be responsible and safe. That’s why it’s always important to carefully obey the laws and have comprehensive car insurance in case of any incidents. Moreover, you can prevent a lot of accidents by following some of these tips while driving.
Buckle Up
It seems basic, but a lot of people out there don’t wear their seat belts. Teenagers especially have a habit of not buckling up while in the car. There’s no exception — everyone in your car should be properly buckled.
Pull Into Traffic Slowly
Fast-moving, high volume traffic can be intimidating, even more so for new drivers. Stop, look, and listen. You should be aware of all your blind spots, and check your mirrors before pulling out into traffic. If you’re turning right from an intersection, make sure to check both ways at least twice. Some cars just seem to come out of nowhere and can cause a car accident.
Limit Distractions
It seems like every minute of our day is filled with distractions. Using a cell phone, trying to sync your Bluetooth, or checking GPS should all be done when your car is at a complete stop. You need to give the road your 100% full attention. According to the CDC, there are three types of distracted driving: visual, manual, and cognitive. Visual is whenever you take your eyes off the road, the manual is when you physically take your hands off the wheel, and cognitive is when you mentally stop focusing on driving. Any and all of these types of distractions are dangerous.
As technology advances, there are new ways drivers can limit these distractions, too. You can now buy cars that come equipped with ways to turn off alerts while driving, as well as more options for hands-free use. Cars like Subaru have these upgrades, and there are new Subaru specials that have reasonable prices.
Limit Night Driving
Did you know that 49% of fatal crashes happen at night? During the nighttime, there is less time to see and react to signs, lanes, and other drivers. In order to prevent accidents, it’s best to plan routes, trips, or errands to be made during the day. If night driving isn’t avoidable, an experienced driver should be the one to do the driving. New drivers should avoid driving at night until they’re completely comfortable driving during the day.
Watch for Kids
Kids and animals have a habit of popping out of nowhere. This can be especially true near schools, parks, and residential areas. Be sure to keep an eye out for them, and obey the speed limit.
Maintenance
Car maintenance doesn’t seem like a high priority for safe driving, but it really is. How can you drive safely if your tires are so bald they become at risk for a blowout? Moreover, bald tires lose traction while it’s raining, and can lead to hydroplaning and possibly even an accident. This is when the tip about having comprehensive car insurance with iSelect can come in handy, though! You should get any weird noises diagnosed by a mechanic, get regular oil changes, and check your tires every few months.
Be Courteous
We all have to share the road, so it’s best to treat it and others with respect. Be mindful of your fellow drivers, and remember that driving a car is a huge responsibility. Have the right attitude, and be responsible for yourself, your passengers, and your fellow drivers.
Accidents are, well, just accidents, and we can’t predict when they’ll happen. However, you can take steps to ensure that every time you get behind the wheel, you’re driving as safe as you can. These tips will help you do that.