Most people like to think of themselves as safe drivers, but the reality is that around 25% of people will end up in car crashes at some point during their lives. Even if you do follow all of the rules of the road and follow safe driving practices, you could still get into a crash due to the negliegence of another driver. Fortunatly, there are ways to reduce the risk of a car crash, and almost anyone can become a safer driver by following a few simple steps. Here are a few tips to keep in mind if you want to become a safer driver today.
1) Never drive under the influence.
There have been tons of awareness campaigns in recent years about the problems caused by drinking and driving. Despite this, many people still get DUI's each year, and many traffic fatalities are still caused by drunk drivers. There is no gray area here. If you are intoxicated, you simply don't need to drive. Even if you just feel a little "buzzed," you should never get behind the wheel. Get a sober friend to drive, or simply call a rideshare service or taxi.
2) Get rid of distractions.
Distracted driving is on the rise, and it causes tons of crashes, injuries, and even fatalities every year. As more and more people use smartphones in almost every aspect of their daily lives, more people are getting into crashes due to being distracted. However, smartphones aren't the only cause of distracted driving. Things like applying makeup, looking at a map, eating and drinking, or looking at a passenger can all cause you to take your eyes from the road. If you have to look away from the road to do it, then it should probably wait until you're not driving.
3) Make sure you're rested.
Did you know that extreme exhaustion has similar effects on reaction times as being drunk? If you're tired, you should avoid driving, as slowed reactions can cause a serious crash. Even worse, you could fall asleep at the wheel and end up hitting another car or driving off of the road. Just take a nap first. It isn't worth it.
4) Maintain you car.
Car maintainence can be a hassel, but it is important. Not only will proper maintance keep your car running smoothly longer, saving you money, it can also help prevent accidents. If you start having car trouble in the middle of the road, you may cause a crash, so make sure you're maintaining your vehicle properly.
5) Be aware of other drivers.
An important part of being a good driver is being aware of what the drivers around you are doing. If you see another driver on their phone, swerving erraticaly, or doing anything else that could cause a crash, stay out of their way. You can even call the police if you think another driver may be drunk. Another thing to do is stay out of the blind spots of larger vehicles like 18-wheelers. The drivers of these vhelces won't be able to see you if you are in their blind spots, and crashes with large vehicles can be deadly.
These are just a few things to keep in mind to make sure you're being as safe of a driver as possible. Remember to always follow the rules of the road, stay rested, and be aware of your surroundings as you drive.
