All posts tagged safe driving

Rules of the Road – 4 Basic Driving Tips for Everyone

by Carsurfer Admin on 2016/06/01 in Uncategorized with Comments Off on Rules of the Road – 4 Basic Driving Tips for Everyone

Whether you have recently gotten your license or been driving for years, here is a look at four tips every driver should keep in mind when they get behind the wheel of a vehicle.

Check Your Car Before Every Ride

No one needs to carry out a comprehensive inspection of their vehicle every time they are about to go for a short drive, but it is not a bad idea to quickly check for any major damage. This is especially important if your car has not been driven for more than a few days or was left in a location where it might have been vandalized. The primary areas you should check include the tires, the windshield, and just under the engine for any fluids.

Always Give Yourself Extra Time

One of the worst things a driver can do is make a habit out of speeding. Unfortunately, it doesn’t take much to give the car a little extra gas when we are running a few minutes late. Not only does speeding drastically increase your risk of getting into an accident, but a single moving violation can cost thousands of dollars. Depending on how fast you were actually driving, these tickets can even be upgraded to criminal speeding charges.

Don’t Take Accidents Lightly

Most drivers will be involved in at least one accident in their lifetime, and it is vital that everyone knows exactly what to do in these situations. Even if the accident seems straightforward, you must collect as much information as possible including the contact information of everyone involved. Those who are injured should immediately seek out medical attention and begin looking for a personal injury attorney. No one wants to be left with mounting medical bills and nowhere to turn for financial help.  A professional personal injury lawyer in Mankato, like those at Roko Law, know that medical bills associated with an accident can be overwhelming.  Making sure your finances are covered is always advisable.  

Look Out for Others

Many experts tell new drivers they should always assume everyone else on the road is not paying attention. An example of this would be expecting a driver to see your turning single before you change lanes. Even if they should know exactly what you are planning, they might not be paying attention. Unfortunately, you could still be at fault for the accident even if the other driver should have anticipated the situation.

Drivers are always responsible for their own safety and the safety of everyone else in their vehicle, and that is why it is so important to remain vigilant and drive defensively at all times.

Preventing Collisions: Tips For Safer Driving Habits

by Carsurfer Admin on 2016/01/18 in Auto Accident with Comments Off on Preventing Collisions: Tips For Safer Driving Habits

In some states, motor vehicle fatalities have increased this year. Various factors may be to blame, including driving under the influence, poor road conditions, and texting while driving. While you can’t be sure what other drivers will do, the average person behind the wheel can do several things to help prevent collisions.

Don’t Drive Under the Influence of Anything

We all know this is a very bad idea, but some do it anyway. If you’re drinking, taking medicine that makes you sleepy, or feeling very ill, don’t drive anywhere. Wait for a ride or call a taxi. A substantial number of road accidents happen because of driving when people aren’t able to manage a vehicle.

Don’t Get Distracted While Driving

Texting, using a mobile phone, playing with the vehicle’s radio or CD player, and trying to quiet screaming toddlers or arguing adults takes your attention off the road where it should be. Although some distractions can’t be avoided, for example, taking your little ones to preschool, you may want to pull over and calm your child before resuming the drive. Other distractions can and should be minimized.

Don’t Play Games While Driving

This means not to challenge other drivers to race you on the highway or accept a dare from one of your vehicle’s passengers, like outdistance an approaching train. Taking chances and behaving foolishly has led to many serious and some fatal collisions.

Obey Traffic Laws

This seems obvious, but for many it is optional. Traffic laws are implemented to protect drivers and passengers. When rules are broken, accidents are more likely to occur, and it is at that time that contacting a professional like Attorney Trevor M. Quirk is the right move to do. Negligence on your part can lead to costly repair fees and potential jail time. Don’t be the one on the road that others are worried to be around.

Avoid High-traffic Roads or Times

Again, this may not be possible all the time, especially if you drive to and from work at rush hour. But some drivers leave a little early to avoid the heaviest traffic patterns, especially in bad weather. Try to find a less-congested route to your destination if it doesn’t require significantly more time or gas. 

Schedule Your Vehicle for Routine Checkups and Maintenance

Most late-model vehicles have indicators to show the oil life remaining. Some indicators will let drivers know air pressure is low. Do not ignore warning lights. It is also a good idea to have your vehicle checked at least once or twice a year to ensure important parts are working properly, including headlights, brakes, and belts.

Tips like these can mean the difference between life and death. Pay attention, drive safely, and keep your vehicle in good working condition.

Do You Drive For Work? Steps You Can Take To Stay Safe On The Road

by Carsurfer Admin on 2015/10/21 in Trucks with Comments Off on Do You Drive For Work? Steps You Can Take To Stay Safe On The Road

Ask any truck driver knows, driving for a living can take a toll on a person. Driving can be a dangerous job, and truck drivers must always be on their toes. If you drive for work or are thinking of doing so, there are steps you can take to stay safe on the road.

Get The Right License

The first thing that you must do is to make sure that you have the right license. Earn your commercial driver’s license from a school that belongs to an association like the Commercial Vehicle Training Association. You will be taught good habits and will learn how to keep yourself safe on the road. To get started, you can find out about the commercial licensing here.

Take Care Of Yourself

As a truck driver, you need to take care of yourself. Long hours on the open road can be taxing on the mind and body. It can be difficult to eat right on the road, but try to make sure that you do. Stopping at a grocery store, buying fresh foods, and storing them in your cooler is far healthier than eating at every greasy spoon along the way. Staying healthy is a key component in staying safe.

Get Enough Sleep

While you are at it, make sure that you are getting enough sleep. You may be tempted to push it through the night to make better time, but you put yourself and everyone on the road in danger when you do so. Stop to rest when you feel like you need to. Arriving at your destination safely is more important than arriving early.

Understand Your Truck

Any truck driver worth their salt knows their rig. Whether it is your own or a company-owned truck, you should have a close relationship with your vehicle. Know its parts, and know how it operates. Perform an inspection before every trip. Check your wheels, your brakes and lights. Make sure your truck is well-maintained. If it is a company-owned truck, be sure to follow the maintenance policies and procedures laid forth by your employer.

Driving for long-hours across the open road is as safe as you make it. While there are certainly things out of a driver’s control, there are many things that you do control. Make sure you have the right license, keep your rig maintained, and stay on top of your health. When you do these things, you make the road a safer place for yourself and every driver you share it with.

Driving Record: Tips for Cleaning Up Your Act

by Carsurfer Admin on 2015/03/18 in On the Road with Comments Off on Driving Record: Tips for Cleaning Up Your Act

We know by now that an adverse driving record affects how much we will pay for auto insurance. Like credit rating, our driving record may be cleaned up, gaining us the best rates. Here are a few ways to accomplish that goal and make driving a better experience for everyone.

Know Your Record

Does it contain accidents? Multiple tickets? Driving while suspended? Knowing this will help you focus on violations that are your particular issue to resolve. If you have 3 speeding tickets, no one has to tell you to let up on the gas pedal.

Look for Renewals

Get a new copy every year on your renewal date. Entries fall off after three years, except the worst of them, such as DWS and Negligent Homicide. You can learn more here about which strikes against you will count for a while. Time may be just what you need to get it cleared up in time.

Get Enough Sleep

Driving when you are tired or sleepy puts you in a vulnerable position. It is harder to focus on what you’re doing than if you get 8 hours of sleep every night.

Know the Law

Know and obey speed limits, not just patrol car locations. If you don’t know a particular speed in an area, review a driver’s manual. If you are near a school in a residential area, 25 mph is too fast. Slow down.

Keep Your Eyes Open

The most dangerous driver on the road is everybody else—and you. Be aware of who is in front, behind, and beside you. If they get too close, get out of their way. Let them have an accident somewhere else.

Keep Your Distance

Honor the rule of thumb about putting distance between you and the car in front of you. It is 1 car length for every 10 MPH. Most car lengths average around 16 feet. At 20 MPH, there should be thirty feet between you and the car in front. Learn how far that is by checking the distance between cars parked on the street. It’s more than you think it is.

Downgrade Distractions

Keep distractions to a minimum. Do not slide in a new CD, answer your cell phone, or reach over the back seat while driving. If you drop something, leave it where it lands, even if it’s your lunch. Pull over to take care of it later. Caution passengers about distractions, and don’t permit them to continue. That’s why teens can’t ride with teen drivers.

Set short-term goals for yourself. When you’ve reached your goal, put the savings away for that new car or insurance policy you want. But check how much the insurance will cost before you buy it.

On the Road: How to Stay Safe on Your Next Road Trip

by Carsurfer Admin on 2015/03/10 in On the Road with Comments Off on On the Road: How to Stay Safe on Your Next Road Trip

Road trips are great adventures. But whether you know exactly where you’re headed or are going wherever the wind takes you, there are plenty of things to keep in mind for your own safety, and that of your travel companions.

Get Your Vehicle Checked

Before you leave, have your vehicle checked for wheel bearings that may come loose, transmissions that may fail, and anything else that could break down. That way, you can repair what needs to be done before your trip, saving you a potential breakdown. A Colorado hit and run attorney says if your trip will take longer than a week, it is always a good idea to have the numbers of a few local repair places in every city you plan to visit on your journey. You should also carry a spare tire and toolbox just in case you get in a car accident in Colorado or a flat tire along route 66.

Look Like a Local

Don’t advertise your tourist status on your face or your vehicle. Looking confused with your face glued to a guidebook, and leaving a map on the dashboard of your parked car are bad ideas and will show that you are not from the area. Instead, look like a local. Walk as if you know where you are going, be confident when asking locals for information, and keep your maps and travel plans in the glove compartment.

Keep an Eye on Your Belongings

Park your car close to your hotel room where you can watch it from the window. The same goes for when you stop at a restaurant. You may feel silly asking to be reseated so you can be near the window with your car, but it is far better than having something get stolen while you’re eating. If you have valuables you can bring into your hotel room with you from the car, it is safest to keep them with you.

Find the Safest Places to Stay

If you know what cities you will be going to, book your hotels in advance and check the reviews. Don’t book a motel that seems like it’s in a bad area. Take note of any cancellation policies just in case you need to cancel a reservation during your travels. If you don’t know where you’re staying in advance, make sure the lodgings you find during your travels are safe and sanitary. If you find a small motel with a sign that says No Refund for Early Checkout, that likely means they get people leaving in the middle of the night due to unsavory conditions, and staying there may not be in your best interests.

"Brooke Chaplan is a freelance writer and blogger. She lives and works out of her home in Los Lunas, New Mexico. She loves the outdoors and spends most her time hiking, biking and gardening. For more information contact Brooke via Twitter @BrookeChaplan."

← Older Entries
Newer Entries →