Are you looking to improve your safe driving skills? Whether you’ve been driving for 2 years or 20 years, there’s always room for improvement when it comes to being a better driver.
Each year, over 38,000 people die in car accidents in the US, and an additional 4.4 million people are seriously injured. By becoming a better driver, you can help reduce the number of accidents on the road.
What do you need to do to become a safer driver? Check out this guide to discover the top safe driving tips you need to know.
1. Don’t Drive Drunk
Not driving drunk is perhaps the most important safe driving tip to follow, as driving under the influence of alcohol can seriously impair your reflexes and judgment.
Each year, over 10,000 people die in alcohol-related car accidents, and alcohol-related crashes account for 28 percent of all traffic-related deaths in the US. All of these deaths are 100 percent preventable.
If you plan to go out drinking, plan to grab a taxi, or grab a ride home from a friend.
2. Obey the Speed Limit
Speed limits are posted for a reason.
Although it can be tempting to speed when you’re in a hurry, going over the speed limit significantly increases your chances of getting in an accident. In fact, a recent study found that speeding was a factor in 26 percent of all traffic fatalities in 2018. And, speeding kills an average of 25 people per day.
Always leave early for your destination so you’re not tempted to speed.
3. Wear the Right Shoes
When most people hop in their cars to drive, they don’t think too much about how their outfit may affect their driving abilities.
But, the truth is, your shoes (or lack thereof) can have a major impact on your ability to drive safely. Driving barefoot or wearing flip flops can cause you to slip on the pedals and drive erratically.
In fact, driving without shoes is even illegal in some states. So, before you hop in the car, always make sure you’re wearing the appropriate footwear.
4. Always Wear Your Seatbelt
Whether you’re driving across the country or just driving to the supermarket down the block, you should always wear your seatbelt.
In the US, 52 percent of car accidents occur within a 5-mile radius of one’s home, and 69 percent of accidents occur within a 10-mile radius. This is why it’s so important to wear your seatbelt at all times. Also, make sure all of your passengers are always wearing their seatbelts.
5. Take Extra Precautions When Driving in Bad Weather
If possible, you should avoid driving in bad weather altogether. This is because bad visibility due to fog, strong rains, or snow can lead to serious accidents.
If you must drive in bad weather, make sure you remain a favorable distance from the vehicle in front of you. Also, make sure you take extra precautions when driving around curves. If the weather worsens and you’re having trouble seeing, it’s best to pull off the road and wait until the conditions improve.
6. Maintain Your Vehicle
You can really only drive as safely as your vehicle allows you to. Accidents happen all of the time due to mechanical problems, which is why it’s so important that you stay on top of vehicle maintenance.
Make sure your tires have the right amount of pressure and that your pressure gauges are working properly. Even if your car doesn’t have any problems, you should still bring it into a certified mechanic for a regular tuneup.
Now that you’ve read these tips, you should be better prepared the next time you go for a drive. Comment below if you have any questions!