Driving is one of the most common tasks we do every day and is often taken for granted. We are so used to driving that we don’t have any problems doing it, but you should always be mindful when you’re in the car. Road safety is essentially being prepared for anything that comes your way. Driving responsibly and safely is something that everyone should consider when on the road.
1. Use Technology
There are plenty of apps that you can download on your phone to help you become a safer driver. Some will tell you the speed limit and any accidents up ahead, while others will record all of your drives so you can analyze them later to see where you made any mistakes.
Apps like those have their benefits but using your phone while driving isn’t the best option for everyone. Constantly looking down at a map to see where you’re going isn’t a great option either. A nice compromise between these would be to get a dashcam with live GPS tracking because you won’t have to glance away from the road. This way, you also don’t have to worry about incoming messages or calls that could distract you from driving.
Having one of these can also be helpful if you’re ever in an accident. Some dash cams not only record the video but also take a picture every time it detects a shock while driving. You can use this to show that you weren’t at fault if your car was hit from behind, for example.
2. Shift To Neutral
If you’re waiting for a traffic light to turn green while keeping your car in gear, your leg will most likely start to feel tired after a while. This is especially true if the drive is long and the light isn’t turning green anytime soon. Instead of using your leg to keep the car from rolling, just put it into neutral and let go of the clutch.
This way, you could still have control over your vehicle if a situation arises where you need to stop or slow down quickly. Another benefit of shifting to neutral is that it can help save on gas since you are no longer accelerating. Some even find that doing this makes them more aware of everything because they know they can’t take off at any given moment without shifting gears first.
You should always keep your foot on the brake while waiting for lights to turn green, though. If you’re not pressing down on it and someone rear-ends you, there’s nothing stopping you from colliding with them or even rolling back into traffic.
3. Create Checkpoints
When you’re out on the road, it’s easy to let your mind wander off. This can be dangerous since you might not even realize that you’ve passed exit signs or entered unfamiliar areas.
The best way to avoid this is by creating checkpoints that will serve as reminders for where you are. For example, if you pass a sign for a restaurant you like, make a mental note of it and try to remember to come back once you’ve passed the exit. Checkpoints could also be used for other things such as grocery stores or gas stations.
If it’s a road you’re familiar with, you could even make your checkpoints more elaborate. For example, if you pass a certain tree, it’ll be time to turn right once you’ve gone past it. These are just things that could help make the drive more meaningful and can possibly prevent accidents from happening or lessen their consequences should they occur.
4. Inspect Your Car Daily
Sometimes, you could be driving and suddenly realize that your windshield wipers aren’t working or your gas light has turned on. Having a good look at your car every day is the only way to ensure that this won’t happen. You can even do quick checks while waiting for lights to turn green.
Although it may not seem like much, having a good look at your car every day is the best way to prevent small problems from becoming bigger ones. You also won’t have to worry about missing any scheduled maintenance appointments that could be important for keeping you safe on the road. That’s why it’s always a good idea to follow up with a mechanic every now and then to make sure that everything is in working condition.
Handling a vehicle requires a lot of responsibility on the road. Whether you’re behind the wheel or not, everyone has to make choices that ensure their safety and the safety of other drivers, pedestrians, and passengers every day. These tiny hacks can help anyone become more mindful about what’s happening around them while they’re driving. Not only will this help prevent accidents from happening, but it can also lessen their severity should they occur. Road safety is something everyone should be aware of so it’s important to always keep yourself educated about the latest rules and regulations regarding driving.
