Dos And Don'ts of Safe Driving

Dos

Your car is a complex piece of machinery. It needs to be maintained following a proper schedule. Proper maintenance will make your car last longer and safer. Check the mirrors, tires, brakes, and lights once a week. Your car owner's manual has more information about the proper schedule for your car's maintenance.

Constantly scan the road for any possible dangers. This will help you respond to any possible dangers. It is always better to be safe than sorry.

Before driving, it is a good idea to know the weather. Rain and snow can affect your driving. Such weather conditions make the road slippery and affect your visibility. In bad weather conditions, you also need to drive with more caution.

It helps to familiarize yourself with the route ahead of time. If you need to print out directions, make sure the font is easy to read. You do not want to distract yourself while driving. If you use a navigation device, make sure that the audio is loud and clear enough.

Follow proper lane change protocol. Always signal. This alerts other drivers of your intentions. Signal, check your blind spot, and then change lanes. It is incredibly to check your blind spot. There may be another car or even another car attempting change lanes. Many accidents occur because of improper lane changes.

Parking lot accidents are quite frequent. In parking lots, people's attention is low. Drive slowly and be careful of any cars backing out. Many drivers tend to speed in parking lots, but it is important to drive slowly and cautiously in parking lots.

Don't

Eating and drinking while driving may seem harmless, but eating and drinking significantly distract drivers from the road. Eating and drinking requires you to use at least one hand if not both. While eating and drinking, you are less focused on the road. If you happen to spill your drink, your attention is instantly taken off the road. Do not eat or drink while driving. Pull over to eat and drink if you are really that thirsty or hungry.

Smoking is incredibly distracting. It requires you to take one hand off the wheel. There is also the chance of dropping the cigarette and causing a fire.

Cell phones are one of the primary sources of distractions for drivers. While your eyes are on your cell phone, they are off the road. Focus on the road not on your cell phone. If you must use the cell phone while driving, invest in a hands free device.

Always leave at least one car length behind the vehicle in front of you. This will give you enough time to respond to any dangers ahead. Tailgating is risky and dangerous.

Loud music is incredibly distracting. With loud music playing, you also can not hear the other cars or traffic. You need to be able to hear any crashes or dangers.

Driving while tired is very dangerous. It can be as dangerous as driving while under the influence. Take a nap before a long drive. You need to be fully alert while driving.

Road rage is very dangerous. It also spreads very quickly. Road rage contributes to many car accidents. While on the road, stay calm and focus on the road.