Ten Basic Driving Tips for Motorists
Some basic driving safety tips apply whenever someone clambers behind the wheel of a vehicle. Many of these points seem so fundamental, most of us take them for granted.
But since every year thousands of needless accidents occur on roads in the United States (and around the world) perhaps a “Top Ten” list of tips would be useful to young people driving for the first time:
Tip number one
First, develop the habit of evaluating your own physical condition before undertaking the responsibility of driving. This principle seems so simple, but even many experienced drivers refrain from conducting a preliminary "self-check" before slipping behind the steering wheel.
Mothers Against Drunk Driving, an organization dedicated to preventing the thousands of needless deaths which occur every year due to intoxicated driving—offers the shocking statistic that in the USA alone in 2011, some 9,878 people died and roughly 315,000 suffered injuries on the road directly or indirectly from impaired driving. In the United States, drunk driving on average kills one person every 53 minutes.
Refrain from driving after coming into contact with any substance capable of slowing down or otherwise interfering with your reactions on the road. And remember that while you enjoy full control over your faculties as a safe driver, you will possibly at some point encounter other drivers who are not functioning at their best as a result of alcohol or other substance abuse issues.
Tip number two
Fasten your seat belt before turning the ignition key—and make certain your passengers have alsobuckled up. Some authorities estimate that the correct use of vehicle restraints (seat belts, child safety seats and air bags) save lives and reduce serious injuries in several ways. One of the most important involves reducing the chances of being ejected from a vehicle during a crash.
If some of your passengers are children, make sure you follow or exceed state laws concerningchild safetyseats and child restraints.
Most states require that infants and young children travel in specially designed safety seats in order to prevent them from suffering unnecessary harm if an accident occurs. The type of seating generally varies depending upon the age and height and weight of the child.
Most drivers’ license testing locations can refer you to a place to have your child safety seatinstallation double checkedby professionals.
Tip number three
Remain alert at all times while driving. One of the biggest sources of problems on the road involvestired or sleepy motorists. If you find yourself nodding off at the wheel, pull into a safe location off the road and park for a few moments. You may find that taking a brief nap restores your alertness.
Tip number four
When you exit your vehicle, lock the doors. Some people like to leave the doors unlocked because this process permits easier entrances and exits. But unfortunately, if an unlocked door allows you to enter the vehicle, it will also permit thieves or potentially unwanted intruders to gain access as well.
This tip especially applies to travelers in unfamiliar surroundings. Levels of street crime may vary from one location to another. Sadly, in some locations, an unlocked car exposes a driver to a heightened risk of car-jacking.
Locking the doors upon exit does not mean you should not check the vehicle from the outside before re-entering it, however! Reportedly, somehackershave developed methods for entering locked vehicles, especially those with electronic locking devices; so it still remains important for car drivers and passengers to exercise caution and look inside the vehicle before re-entering.
Why take chances with your family’s safety? Getting intothe habitof routinely locking the doors when the vehicle is not in use makes sense.
Tip number five
Take along a cell phone or other mobile communications device to use during an emergency on the road and, if possible, acar cell phone charger.
Previous generations often suffered considerable inconvenience due to a lack of access to communications while traveling. Today, technological advances have given drivers the opportunity to remain in touch with emergency assistance at the flick of a button.
Tip number six
If you are driving, pull off the road to a safe location and park before using a cell phone or other communications device. Some states have laws which prohibit driving and dialing at the same time. But even in jurisdictions without any regulations, it remains a wise idea to remain alert to driving conditions at all times—and one cannot do that effectively while multi-tasking.
It probably goes without saying:never textor watch TV while driving. Drivers must remain alert to respond to road signs and changing driving conditions. They cannot afford to distract themselves behind the wheel.
Tip number seven
Take safety precautions for both the driver and passengers beforeexitingthe vehicle. Look in every direction before opening the door and stepping out, making certain that you can set foot on a safe surface. Also, make sure that you are wearing shoes of sufficient strength to protect your feet from injury. These precautions seem so basic that sometimes people ignore them.
Safe exits and entrances pose especial concern for anyone operating heavy equipment or farm machinery. But taking precautions in this area may assist all drivers- especially during icy weather or following a roadway accident when debris may be scattered in the vicinity.
Tip number eight
Comply with traffic velocity instructions—and remain alert toslow downif necessary.
Many studies have demonstrated that accidents which occur at high rates of speed can produce more serious injuries. So safe drivers abide by the recommended hourly mileage rates, and they make certain to slow down in certain zones, such as construction areas or school crossing walkways.
You may need to decrease your vehicle’s speed in response to environmental conditions also. For example, during snow storms or heavy rainfalls, somewhat slower speed may be necessary due toreduced visibility.
Also, since visibility is reducedat night, consider slowing downas a routine matter by about eight to ten miles per hour below the maximum allowed daytime rate of speed after dusk.
Tip number nine
Make sure thatregular maintenanceis performed on your vehicle to reduce the chance of problems on the road.
This step may involve taking your vehicle to a mechanic at regular intervals to be certain that the manufacturer’s maintenance instructions are carried out in a timely manner. Periodic greasing and oil changes extend the life of the motor and can spare a driver many problems on the road, for instance.
It also helps to periodically check tire pressure to be certain that your vehicle’s wheels contain the recommended levels of air. The windshield wipers must be changed from time to time as well.
Tip number ten
Finally, it remains important tocarry certain items with youin case you do encounter problems while driving.
Most manufacturers provide a space in the vehicle to store aspare tire, a useful piece of equipment in the event of a flat. Keeping jumper cables in the trunk can prove handy if the battery fails.
Many drivers store a car safety kit in the vehicle containing useful tools to have on hand in the event of a breakdown on the road.
Conclusion
New drivers usually require a bit of time to feel comfortable behind the wheel. Following a few simple basic safety tips can make driving enjoyable for everyone!
