Whether you are a brand new driver or you have been driving for years it is important to stay safe on the road. If you are a new driver it can be hard to even know how to drive defensively. Many people that have been driving for years could benefit from a refresher on defensive driving tips. We have put together a list for you of some of the best defensive driving tips out there.
Plan Ahead Before You Get Behind the Wheel
One of the best things that you can do when you drive is make sure that you always plan ahead. With all of the technology in our smart phones you can check the weather and road conditions before you get on the road. If you know that you have a wet or icy commute you will want to give yourself some extra time to get to work so that you do not have to feel rushed as you drive on wet and icy roads. Road work can also make it harder to drive safely. When you pull up directions on your phone the directions that you are given take into account road work that you may come across on your commute.
Avoid Losing Focus when Driving
As you are on the road you will want to stay focused the entire time. This seems like a tip that is common sense but unfortunately it is necessary advice. There are accidents caused every day by drivers not paying attention. Many times phones are the main thing that drivers are distracted by. Regardless of what laws your state may have on phones when you are driving Speedway Towing & Roadside Assistance recommends driving hands free at all times. Trying to hold your phone while you are driving is just not safe. So put your distractions away and stay focused on the road.
Be Alert & Stay Awake While Driving
Another frequent cause of accidents is drivers not being alert enough. When you drive while sleepy you are not able to stay alert. Thousands of accidents each year are caused by drivers falling asleep at the wheel. If you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol you will not be able to drive safely either. Your reaction time and judgement are both impaired when you have been using drugs or alcohol. Make sure that you have someone else drive to keep you, your passengers, and others on the road safe.
Defensive Driving Techniques
Part of defensive driving is remembering that you cannot control the other drivers on the road. You can only be responsible for yourself. Assume that drivers are not watching out for you when on the road. Also assume that they may run red lights or stop signs. Be prepared to react to anything that may happen on the road as a result of other drivers not paying attention.
Safe Driving Practices
We also recommend that you follow a few simple driving tips. Drive the posted speed limit at all times. There is a reason that the speed limit was set. Trust the reason and follow the posted speed limit. You will also want to give yourself a few extra seconds to slow your car down when braking. You never know what could go wrong on the road. Those extra few seconds could make it so that you do not get in an accident.
Fast Accident Response, Towing, Roadside Assistance & More in Irving, Fort Worth, Arlington, Carrollton & Plano Texas
When you follow the tips outlined above you are less likely to be involved in an accident but most people will eventually get in an accident whether it was their fault or someone else’s. If you find yourself needing assistance after an accident give Speedway Towing & Roadside Assistance a call.
