All of us drivers are very well aware of how rapidly the number of vehicles on the roads increase on daily basis. Not only the traffic is becoming more frequent, the speeds are increasing too, either due to people always being late or faster and faster cars being produce. Regardless of the cause, staying safe on the roads should be everyone’s priority. This is a team effort and each and every driver needs to contribute. Therefore, here are several suggestions on how to improve road safety applicable to all kinds of vehicles and driving experience.
Buckle up
Make fastening your seatbelt the first thing you need to do before turning the engine on. And do it every time you drive. Every time. It does not matter whether you are going for a long ride or merely around the corner to get some eggs from the nearby shop. Seatbelts save lives and it is the least you can do for your personal safety. After all, how can you expect someone else to look after you when on the road if you fail to do such a simple thing as fastening a seatbelt is.
Slow down
Yes, another no brainer, most of the drivers would say. Then, how come there are so many fatal accidents with speeding as a cause? Risking yours and other people’s lives just because you are late for a meeting or want to get to the show five minutes earlier makes absolutely no sense. Furthermore, if the sign says 50, or 70, or 90 for that matter, it does not mean that you have to drive as fast. Relax, slow down 5 mph and immensely improve safety by this simple action.
Keep your eyes on the road
Do not text and drive, do not talk on the phone unless you use a hands free kit and do not reach for a sandwich at a glove department. Keep your eyes on the road at all times. You need to be aware of everything that is happening on the road, sometimes you will have to react to other people’s mistakes. Furthermore, proper road line marking makes a world of difference and is very helpful in improving road safety. There is nothing worse than an unmarked road on a dark and rainy day. Therefore, keep your eyes open.
Have a clear mind
Driving under the influence of alcohol or any psychoactive substance is an incredibly risky activity. Your reflexes, vision, orientation abilities and motor skills will all be highly influenced and the odds of being involved in some kind of an accident will skyrocket. Relying on the false feeling of supremacy that occurs in a large number of cases when alcohol and drugs consumption is in question lead to too many traffic accidents. Do not be a part of that lethal circle, drive with a clear mind and blood.
Take breaks
Remember the rule, two hours of driving demand at least a 15 minute break. Stop for a cup of coffee, stretch your legs or drink some water or juice, whatever recuperates you best and only then continue to drive. Also, before going long-distance make sure you have a good night sleep. That is an absolutely required precondition.
All these suggestions may seem familiar and common knowledge, but not implementing only a single one of them enormously increases a chance of an accident. Driving is a responsible activity and should be treated as such.