For today’s drivers, it’s vital to learn and practice the basics of car safety tips to operate their cars responsibly. Every driver is responsible to other drivers to exercise reasonable caution when traveling from place to place. Whether on long trips or short trips, car accidents may occur at any time and that’s when you can speak with a car accident attorney. Most car accidents are preventable and may be avoided by following safe driving habits.
Never Drive Fatigued
If you are tired or weary, postpone your drive until you have had plenty of rest. Driving drowsy is similar to driving while intoxicated, as fatigue lowers your reaction time and awareness of changing conditions on the roadway.
No Distracted Driving
Our smartphones make it easy for us to stay connected to friends, family, and the world with a finger tap. No matter how long you plan to drive, a crucial safe driving habit is driving clear of distractions. This can effect your average car accident settlement if you were in an accident and at-fault. Road conditions can change suddenly and without warning. A few seconds of looking at your phone or fiddling with your GPS could spell catastrophe.
Beware of Blind Spots
High on the list of safe driving tips is that drivers use turn signals and check blind spots before changing lanes. Avoid relying solely on mirrors; instead, turn around to check your blind spots physically. Ensure your next move is safe before you make it. Additionally, be aware of other drivers and their blind spots. For example, commercial trucks have large blind spots due to their substantial size. Be cautious and never assume that a commercial driver sees you before moving around them.
Check Weather Reports
Before setting out on a drive, always check weather reports and road conditions. Inclement weather, such as snow, sleet, hail, rain, and winds, makes for hazardous road conditions. Despite your best efforts to drive safely, these road conditions may make it impossible to travel to your destination without increasing your chances of an accident.
No Tailgating
Leave plenty of room between your car and the car in front of you. Many drivers become impatient if the car in front of them fails to drive as quickly as they wish. However, going too closely, or tailgating, can have disastrous results. Maintaining enough space between vehicles assures you never rear-end the car in front of you in the event of a sudden stop or a collision in front of you.
Always Wear Your Seatbelt
Seatbelts save lives. You can’t control the conduct of those around you. However, seatbelts are the best defense against all the drivers around you, including those engaging in aggressive, reckless, impaired, or distracted driving.
Never Drive Under the Influence
In addition to being against the law, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is incredibly dangerous. Drinking or doing drugs and driving reduces reaction time, making accidents even more likely. Avoid driving under the influence by having a designated driver or using a rideshare service.
Maintain Your Vehicle
Having a regular maintenance schedule for your vehicle is vital to keeping it running in a safe condition. Keep track of when you had fluids changed, got new brakes, or purchased new tires. Maintaining your car in excellent running condition lowers the chances of being involved in a dangerous accident due to vehicle malfunction.
