Driving is a risky experience that can cause serious damages if done inappropriately. You need to ensure it is safe to avoid accidents. Even if you are experienced, there is always room for improving your safety on the road. Here are six best practices that will help you become a safer driver.
Hold the wheels at the right positions
You need to keep your hands on the wheels at the proper positions to gain more control of the vehicle. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, your hand should be at either 9 and 3 or 8 and 4 clock positions. These positions make you more flexible and comfortable, especially when you are driving for long periods.
Do not drive when sleepy
About 60 percent of drivers aged above 18 years report having fallen asleep while driving. Being sleepy affects your ability to drive safely. It makes you less attentive and slows down the reaction time in case you encounter an obstacle. Your ability to make good decisions is also affected in such circumstances. Make sure you get enough sleep if you are planning to drive for a long time. Stop using medications that make you sleepy. You can always talk with your physician to prescribe an alternative. In case you have a sleeping disorder, seek treatment immediately.
Do not speed
Speeding is the top cause of auto accidents all over the world. It contributes to 30 percent of all fatal crashes and costs the country more than $28 billion per year. According to Sloan Firm experts, the most vulnerable road users are pedestrians and cyclists. You need to keep your vehicle within the speed limits. Check your speedometer once in a while and make appropriate adjustments. Leave for your destination earlier to prevent speeding. Set cruise control if your vehicle is automatic. Maintaining the right speed will lead to fewer tickets, lower insurance rates, safer neighborhoods and better gas mileage.
Avoid distractions
About 400,000 people sustain injuries in accidents that involve distracted drivers. Most of these cases are caused by texting while driving. Make sure your phone is off or in silent mode and take it out of sight. Be organized and avoid multitasking when driving. The more you become organized, the less you will have to search around for items. Avoid serious or lengthy discussions that divide your attention. Save them for another time when you are free from the wheels. Avoid eating while driving to maximize your attention. It is also wise to pull off the road if you have to attend to something, such as making a call or adjusting the driver seat.
Adjust the mirrors to cover all the blind spots
Accidents on blind spots are increasingly becoming common in the US. Most of these accidents can be avoided if drivers take some time to work on their car mirrors. Adjust all the mirrors to cover all the surroundings. Begin by moving the mirrors outward until you get the right view. Experts recommend that the viewing angle of the side mirrors should overlap with that of the cabin’s rear view mirror. You can also check the adjustments from the driving seat. You shouldn’t see your car at either side of the mirrors.
Go for driving lessons
Before you become an everyday driver, you must at least attend a certified driving school. Driving courses will teach you about the road safety standards and provide you with tips on how to become a good driver. The courses will also teach you about DUI and DWI and how many drinks can impair your driving capability. You will also save a lot of money on auto insurance and take points off your record.
Gaurav Kumar has been a blogger and digital marketer, one of the fastest growing custom design crowdsourcing platforms. Over the years, he has been helping small businesses and startups improve website design and SEO strategy, content marketing and user experience.You can engage with him on Twitter here @digitalmid.