While it might feel as if you are going to go crazy if you don’t get out of the house, you may be getting your wish sooner, rather than later.
It is expected that 2021 will be one of the biggest travel years in recorded history. As soon as American’s feel that enough of the population has been vaccinated against the coronavirus, they will hit the road in record numbers.
More people on the road means that road safety is more important than ever before. No one wants to think about spending part or all of their vacation with the car in the repair shop and possibly someone in the hospital!
You can avoid many of the pitfalls that lead to accidents by following some old-fashioned advice, as well as creating some new driving habits.
The Top 5 Ways to Improve Driving Habits
Some driving habits are common sense, but others may take a bit of practice if you haven’t used or thought of them before.
1. Learn to Drive Defensively
This is something most of us are taught when we learn to drive but overconfidence can cause us to forget this valuable piece of advice.
Remember that the right of way is only yours if it is given to you. While you may actually have the right of way, getting involved in an accident to prove that you were right is not the best way to handle things. If another driver doesn’t give you the right of way, let them have it. Better to be safe than be right.
Never tailgate or weave in and out of traffic, even if you are extremely late for an appointment or if the other driver is going slower than the posted speed limit.
Last, but not least, always know your car’s limitations and never overestimate your own driving skills. SUVs tend to tip over more easily on tight turns and if you rarely drive-in snow or ice, this is not the time to put the pedal to the metal.
2. Pay Attention
If you have ever been lost in thought and realized that you had arrived at work or home and thought “I don’t remember driving here”, then you will understand what we are talking about.
Distracted driving, whether you are on a phone call, trying to read the GPS screen, or are talking to passengers can cause you to become distracted enough that you miss those brake lights or you might not see that semi-truck moving into your lane.
Always pay attention to the road and other vehicles. If you must make a call or look at your GPS, pull over safely to the side of the road.
3. Never Drive if You Feel Any of the Following
If you are feeling:
- Angry
- Stressed out
- Sleepy
- Dizzy
- Sick
Any or all of the above can impair your judgment while you are driving. If you must be somewhere and you are experiencing any of the above, you should take a taxi, an Uber, or call a friend. You might also take a nap or go for a walk to cool off.
Once you are feeling more like your old self, you can safely get back behind the wheel.
4. Look for the Retina
If you are driving at night and you are in an area where animals such as deer or cows sometimes cross the road, don’t rely on your high beams alone to spot an animal in the road.
The eyes of deer, elk, and other animals will reflect the light in your headlights and look like red dots high on the road. Whenever you spot those tell-tale red dots, slow down. Chances are that you will see the animal when you are almost in front of it but looking for the reflection from the animal’s retina will give you plenty of time to stop.
5. Always, Always, Always Use Your Signals
Have you ever been really annoyed, or even involved in an accident, because someone failed to use their turn signal?
An unbelievable number of accidents happen because of a lack of turn signals. Even a simple lane change requires the use of your turn signal. Other drivers need to know when you are slowing, merging, stopping, turning, or NOT turning.
Some people are under the impression that if other drivers are paying attention, they will intuitively know if you are turning or merging. This is NOT the case. No one can read your mind. Don’t make other driver’s guess, use your signal every single time.
Other Helpful Tips
- If the temptation to use your phone is too much, turn it off and place it in the back seat where you cannot reach it
- If you don’t drive frequently or if you are a senior driver, you might want to consider updating your driving skills by taking a refresher driving course
- If you see that you must merge due to construction or another issue, don’t wait until the last moment to jump into traffic
- If a road is flooded, do not drive through puddles that are so large you cannot see the bottom
- If it is raining so hard that you simply can’t see the road, pull over to the side and wait for the storm to pass
- Never use the cruise control when it is raining or if the roads are icy
Final Thoughts
It’s always a good idea to give your car a safety inspection once a month to prevent accidents and breakdowns.
Inspect all interior and exterior lights to ensure that they are working. You should also inspect the tires and windshield wipers.
My Mechanic will be happy to inspect your car for safety, as well as service your vehicle when the time comes. If you should have any questions about your vehicle, the experts at My Mechanic will be happy to speak with you.
Start off the New Year right! Call us today for an appointment. You will be glad you did.
