TIPS TO DRIVING SAFE AND PREVENTING ACCIDENTS ON THE ROAD

By practicing defensive driving, everyone on the road can have a safe trip. Below are some simple but essential defensive driving tips that will ensure stress-free travel.

Defensive driving can, contrary to what seems obvious, save you time and money. It also keeps the roads safer for everyone. It will allow you to navigate through most roads and traffic conditions, and it will also help you avoid mishaps.

Driving in cities can be stressful, especially during rush hour. The number of people who need a car to move around has increased in cities and suburbs. These steps will make driving more enjoyable.

Defensive driving is more about common sense and less about anything else. Although it is simple to remember the majority of what is here, it is not easy to remember that there are many idiots on the roads. The safer the roads will be, the more defensive driving you do.

RESPECT EVERYONE’S RIGHT TO USE THEIR WAY

Do not refuse to yield the right-of-way to a vehicle that you see in a hurry. It’s okay for the other driver to claim you have given way. You should not move in front of or hinder the vehicle’s passage. This is dangerous and can lead to an accident.

It is also dangerous to weave in and out of traffic. Remember that driving safely is the most important thing.

Do not exceed the speed limit.

It is illegal to drive faster than the speed limit. Driving 60kmph on a highway where the speed limit is 50kmph may save you 20 minutes but can increase the chance of an accident.

You move faster than you should, so it takes longer for the car’s brakes to respond when you apply them. This reduces your reaction time to unexpected events, such as a car that is out of control or an animal crossing a road. High-speed collisions should not be deterrent due to their sheer physical nature of it. Higher momentum can lead to more energy transfer and potentially severe injuries.

If you are caught speeding you will also be booked by the police. This will include a fine of up to Rs 1,000 and a longer-term punishment for repeat offenders.

You should choose a speed that is as close to the rest of the traffic as possible but does not exceed the speed limit. Keep to the left lane and avoid the fast vehicles if the rest of the traffic is moving faster than you would like. You can overtake slower vehicles by going to the right if you have to. Before you overtake, make sure to use the indicators to clearly state your intentions.

PAY ATTENTION TO THE ROAD

“I never saw him!” This is the most common reason for an accident. It wasn’t because the other vehicle, person, or electric pole was invisible.

Many accidents occur because drivers don’t pay enough attention to what is happening around them. Accidents can happen to any vehicle, regardless of its size. You cannot depend on other drivers to obey the rules and keep your vehicle safe. Keep your eyes open and make sure you have enough space to maneuver your car out of dangerous situations. You might find it helpful not to use your phone or listen to high-volume music.

You should anticipate what other drivers might do, especially on busy roads and in heavy traffic. It is always better to be cautious. When approaching traffic signals, dividers, or service roads, be careful. People who are too excited to drive on the main road tend not to check the traffic flow. Watch out for cars leaving parking spaces on busy roads like those used by commercial centers. For evasive actions, look out for gaps between the traffic lanes. If you see traffic ahead of you clumping together, slow down. There is no point in adding to the chaos. It will take patience to get out of this jam.

Always wear a seat belt.

Your car’s most important safety device is the seat belt. Although it may seem insignificant, a seat belt can save your life. If a collision occurs suddenly and with great force, it can cause severe injuries (ribcage and heart damage) or even throw drivers out of their cars.

The use of seat belts can also reduce movement on bumpy roads. Use a baby car seat if you have a small child and fasten it with a seat belt.

If you are ill or stressed, do not drive.

You should not drive if you feel distracted, tired, stressed, or fatigued. These can all slow down your reaction speed and make it unsafe to drive.

Being overworked, stressed, or tired can increase your chances of falling asleep behind the wheel. You can rest for a few minutes if you feel tired after a long drive.

Consuming alcohol can be a major impediment to making good decisions and can lead to dangerous driving. You should arrange for a taxi or a designated driver if you plan to attend a party that involves alcohol consumption. Driving under the influence is a crime that can lead to your license being canceled or even imprisonment.

It is safer not to drive if you’re unwell. High fevers or injuries can cause confusion and lead to errors in judgment.

SLOW DOWN ON WET ROADS & IN BAD WEATHER

In adverse weather conditions like heavy rain or fog, it is best to slow down. Driving in heavy rain can cause your car to aquaplane (rise on a thin layer of water between the tires & road so there is no contact with it).

Check that your car’s tire pressure is correct. Overinflating tires reduces the contact area with the road and causes rolling friction to be lost on wet surfaces. Let go of excess air if your car tires become too inflated.

Similar to the previous example, visibility in dense fog is significantly reduced, and it becomes difficult to judge distances between vehicles.

Both cases are dangerous. To avoid fog, slow down and drive slowly parallel to the road markers or dividers. In such conditions, do not attempt to pass others.

KNOW YOUR BLIND SPOTS

There are some blind spots in the vicinity of your car. Blind spots are usually located behind the car’s pillars and at the rear. Be cautious when moving in this direction, especially when changing lanes or backing out from parking. It is important to look in your rear-view mirror. You should be alert for traffic approaching from the sides.

Traffic from the rear can quickly approach roads with higher speeds, such as highways. If there are large vehicles, such as buses and trucks, on the road, you need to maintain sufficient distance so that your car can be seen in the rear-view mirror and outside mirrors. Tailgating other vehicles are dangerous. Keep your vehicle at a safe distance from the car in front.

It is never easy to back up. Take a look around to see if there are any obstacles in your path. Children playing in the vehicle should be avoided. Although defensive driving may seem boring, safety should always be your top priority.