Driving Safety Tips Every Responsible Driver Should Know
Road accidents are a significant public health and economic challenge in India. Nearly 169,000 accident cases were reported in 2022 due to rash driving. These insane numbers don’t just point to the loss of lives but also reveal the emotional and financial burden that weighs heavily on the communities and families of drivers. Driving in a country like India, with congested roads, insane traffic, and a rampant population at every corner, can be tricky. Driving is a skill that can be developed and sharpened over time. For a driver, safety should be the topmost priority, whether it is their own or the safety of the ones in the vehicle. In this comprehensive blog, you will learn driver safety tips and understand how to become a better and more professional driver.
Top Driving Safety Tips
Following driver safety tips and methods can help you better grip the road. Here are some top driver safety tips.
Focus on Driving:
The first among the driver safety tips is to focus solely on driving. Avoid distractions as you drive, such as using your mobile phone or eating or drinking. Avoid texting while you drive and fidgeting or fiddling with things. Focus on the road ahead and keep your mind from getting diverted. Remain still with your hands on the steering wheel at all times.
Defensive Driving:
The next driver safety tip is to follow defensive driving techniques. By practicing defensive driving techniques, you can anticipate dangerous, unpredictable, and rash moves by other drivers and avoid risks and chances of accidents. Defensive driving is the most important point to keep in mind while driving. It can help you remain calm and composed and become a more efficient and professional driver.
In defensive driving, one must consider and understand all the basic driving rules and regulations, follow the traffic laws religiously, and maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead of one. One should avoid lane changes unnecessarily and adapt driving techniques according to the road and weather conditions. One should remain sober and alert while driving and always watch out for other rash drivers.
Make a Safe Driving Plan:
Some other professional driver safety tips include setting time in your itinerary for breaks and stops for meals, relaxation periods, phone conversations, and other business.Before shifting into gear, adjust your seat, mirrors, and climate settings.If you want to have your meal or get a drink, stop your vehicle for a few minutes and have your meal before you ride.
Practice Safety:
Protect and secure your luggage correctly to avoid it from moving around and causing casualties when the vehicle is in motion. If in case any item falls while the car is moving, do not try to get a hold of it; leave it where it is. Along with driver safety tips, you must ensure all the essential documents like toll fees, licenses, and other necessary documents are within easy reach. Remember always wear your seat belt and drive sober. To become a professional driver, you should remain cautious and organised.
Don’t Drive Drunk:
Drunk driving is a grave issue in India. It contributes significantly to road accidents and fatalities. Penalties for drunk driving are stringent, and offenders can receive hefty fines and imprisonment up to 2 years. Although there are law enforcement strategies in place, like breath testing checkpoints, drunk driving remains a major cause of road traffic incidents in India. A professional driver is a sober one. Ensure you follow all the driver safety tips to become efficient.
Don’t Speed:
Speed kills. Avoid going too fast on the road, even on a clear path. Accidents can occur anytime, even if they aren’t your fault. Speeding can risk the safety of the driver and others. Keeping a check on the speed limits, always staying up and alert, and maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles around you can significantly reduce the risk of accidents. Consider these driver safety tips to become a responsible and professional driver.
Avoid Distractions:
A professional driver makes it a point to eliminate distractions. Remember to use features like “do not disturb”. Avoid indulging in dangerous manoeuvers like harsh braking and rapid acceleration.
Don’t Drive Drowsy:
Make sure you are rested well before you hit the road. One of the most basic driver safety tips is to wear your seatbelt at all times. Wearing a seatbelt can minimise the harm that can be caused in case of an accident and save your life.
FAQs
- What are the most important driver safety tips for beginners?
Some of the most important driver safety tips for new drivers are that they must understand their car. They should also properly adjust mirrors, use turn signals, maintain a safe following distance, and drive courteously. Over time, these tips can help new drivers become professional drivers with the necessary skills and experience.
- Why is maintaining a safe following distance important?
One of the most essential driver safety tips is to maintain a safe following distance from other vehicles in front of you. This can allow sufficient reaction time in case of an emergency. Ensuring enough time to react to sudden stops or changes in traffic reduces the risk of collision.
- What should I do if I encounter aggressive drivers?
Remain calm in case you encounter aggressive drivers. Stay calm, do not look them in the eye and refuse to be engaged. Keep a safe distance and let them go ahead to avoid any possible conflicts.
- What should I do if my vehicle breaks down on the highway?
If your vehicle breaks down on the highway, you should first take your foot off the accelerator. Then, try not to hit the brakes too hard and immediately. Your main priority should be to get off the vehicle as smoothly as possible. Pull over safely, activate your hazard lights, and call for help immediately. Stay inside the car if it is safe to do so, or move away as far as you can from moving vehicles.