Everyone has gone through the challenges that come with being a novice driver. Now that you’re in control of the vehicle and the safety of your passengers, it pays to know the basic rules of defensive driving. While road safety rules exist, there are still drivers out there who are careless and inattentive. Some choose to “multitask,” while others have no regard for traffic rules and safety. The results are crashes and other untoward incidents that can affect the lives of other people on the road.
You don’t have the power to control how other drivers think and act. But the good news is that you can still do something and avoid the dangers brought about by bad driving. You can do this by keeping in mind the following defensive driving dos and don’ts in mind:
Always stay focused
When you’re driving, there are lots of things you need to think about. You need to make sure that you’re driving at the right speed and in the right lane. You should always comply with the traffic rules and take note of the signs, signals, and directions. You should also be aware of the other cars driving along the road. If you hear sirens and see the flashing of police light bars behind you, pull over and stop. With all the things you need to do when driving, your focus must be only on the road alone.
Stay alert no matter what
Another rule to live by is to always stay alert. Never drink and drive. Never drive when you’re sleepy. Also, never drive under the influence. This also includes OTC and prescription drugs that can cause drowsiness. All these can affect your judgment and reaction time.
Don’t give in to distractions
Many distractions can take your focus away from driving. This includes food, your smartphone, other drivers or cars on the road, and even your passengers. As much as possible, avoid distracted driving. Refrain from doing anything else when you’re behind the wheels. If you need to answer the phone or eat a snack, it will be best to pull over. If you have pets or children with you, make sure to secure them in before you start driving.
Maintain correct sitting posture
It doesn’t matter if you’re taking a short drive or will spend long hours driving to your destination. One should always observe the correct sitting posture while driving. This is not only for you to stay comfortable and at ease while driving. By maintaining a proper sitting posture when driving, you get to have a clear view of the road.
Don’t drive too close
Another rule of defensive driving is to always make one way out in case something happens. This means that you need to maintain enough distance from other cars. Avoid getting boxed up by other vehicles. This is especially important when you’re not driving under normal conditions. When the road is slippery or when you’re driving late at night, keep more distance from the car in front of you. This way, you get to leave an escape route.
The road can be a dangerous place not only for drivers but for passengers as well. Although there are aggressive and distracted drivers out there, you can still minimize driving risks. Knowing the dos and don’ts of defensive driving will make it easier for you to drive peacefully and stay safe. Remember to maintain proper distance and drive in a correct sitting posture. Always stay alert, keep your focus, and don’t let distractions get the best of you.