Top 10 Safe Driving Tips Every Driver Should Know
When you sit behind the wheel of a car, whether with passengers or by yourself, your top priority must always be to drive safely. With road accidents and deaths on the rise, driving has become one of the riskiest activities in our daily routine. In India, roughly over 300 people lose their lives on the road daily, making it even more important to learn and understand the importance of safe driving. Distractions are often the primary reason that takes away your attention from the road, leading to higher chances of unfortunate events. Whether young or old, knowing the importance of safe driving and practising it every time you hit the road is crucial. Mentioned below are some safe driving tips you should follow as a responsible driver.
1. Stay Physically and Mentally Fit
Getting behind the wheel when you are physically or mentally unfit can cause serious issues. The driver must be both physically and mentally fit to be able to drive safely. For instance, if you’ve had a lack of sleep and are drowsy, it is best to avoid driving in that condition. You may think a few yawns do no harm, but being drowsy automatically puts you at a higher risk of getting into an accident.
Additionally, do not avoid your physical health while driving. A thorough health check-up is highly beneficial for your safety and that of your passengers. For elderly drivers, conducting regular health check-ups and taking refresher courses on safe driving for seniors is helpful.
2. Keep Your Vehicle in Top Condition
Besides your health condition before driving, vehicle maintenance must be your top priority. One of the common maintenance issues is uneven tyre pressure. Before starting your ride, it is crucial to check the fuel, tyre pressure, brakes, door lock, etc.. Improper tyre pressure can impact the car’s performance.
3. Buckle Up Always
Wearing your seatbelt can save your life in accidents. It not only lessens the impact but also prevents major injuries. Do not put the shoulder belt behind your back or too close to your neck. Misuse of the seatbelt can also cause serious issues.
4. Maintain a Safe Following Distance
Driving too close to the vehicle in front of you can be dangerous. All drivers need at least a few seconds to react to sudden changes. Therefore, it is highly recommended to follow the “three-second rule.” Under this rule, you must choose any stationary object near the road. Once the vehicle in front of you passes that object, count to three to know the distance you must maintain with that vehicle.
5. Stay Alert and Avoid Distractions
It is very easy to get distracted while driving, either through phone calls, chatting, or other scenic distractions. Distractions are a major cause of road accidents. Ensure that you focus your entire attention on the road while driving to prevent any mishaps.
6. Use Defensive Driving Techniques
Defensive driving is a driving style that uses accident-preventing techniques that help keep you and others on the road safe. Learning these techniques not only reduces the chances of road accidents but also improves highway driving safety as it teaches drivers to drive more cautiously and be prepared for unexpected situations. Some of the standard techniques include:
- Being aware of the other vehicles and expecting any sudden movements
- Obey traffic rules
- Maintain a safe distance from the front vehicle
- Stay alert
7. Follow Speed Limits and Traffic Rules
Obey speed limits mentioned on the road signs. Speeding puts your life and the lives of others on the street at risk, including pedestrians and stray animals. Additionally, it is mandatory to follow traffic rules. Disobedience to the rules can cause you final charges and also endanger the lives of the people.
8. Be Cautious When Merging and Changing Lanes
While changing lanes, do not make sudden turns, as this can put the vehicle behind you in a compromising condition. Check your mirrors and blind spots before taking a turn. Move only when you have enough space to maneuver the car safely. Furthermore, avoid overtaking other vehicles, especially when at high speed. Overtake only when you know the road condition ahead and have checked your rear-view and side mirrors.
9. Adjust for Weather Conditions
Bad weather conditions such as heavy fog, rain, or storms can transform a simple ride into a nightmare. It is crucial to be prepared for such weather changes beforehand. Wet and slippery roads can make you lose vehicle control, leading to accidents. Drive slowly and more cautiously in poor weather for better safety. Also, keep your headlights on and increase your following distance, especially in foggy situations where you cannot see the road ahead.
10. Know What to Do in an Emergency
One key driving safety tip is to know what to do in an emergency, which also includes being prepared for any unexpected situation. During emergencies, try to stay calm and assess the situation before making any decisions. Use your hazard lights to alert other vehicles on the road. Contact for help if needed.
Conclusion
No matter how short your travel distance or how familiar you are with the route, road safety must always be a priority. By following these safety driving guidelines, you protect yourself from road accidents and contribute towards the safety of others on the road. The road is a shared space, and everyone must keep it safe. Make sure you give other road users, like bicyclists, pedestrians, etc., enough space, too, as you navigate your way to your destination. Lastly, ensure you have all the essential tools, such as an emergency kit, flashlight, and other equipment, before you set off for the road. Drive safe; your life matters!
FAQs
- What are the most important safe driving tips?
All safe driving tips are crucial. However, some of the most important ones are to never drink and drive, follow traffic rules, and use defensive driving techniques.
- How can I stay alert while driving long distances?
Staying hydrated, taking sufficient breaks, and taking a good power nap before your ride help you stay alert. Furthermore, try to review some highway driving safety tips before you start your long-distance drive.
- How do I handle driving in bad weather?
Driving in bad weather can be challenging. However, reducing your speed, using low-beam lights, and maintaining a good following distance can help ease the challenge.