Safe Driving Tips.
There are many driving courses and schools available. And for the most part, they teach people how to drive. Unless you took a driving course to get your driver’s license , most people’s extent of any type of formal instruction is from a ticket dismissal course. Shouldn’t everyone over 30 that started driving at the age of 15 be excellent drivers? Because based on science, repetition is the key to mastering any skill, task or subject. Doesn’t seem to be the case though right? The actual process of driving is really not that difficult, well it kind of is, it's the operating the motor vehicle that isn't that difficult. Once you get the feel of the car, the turning and driving at different speeds should actually fun. And that’s the key word here…FUN. We need to put the fun back into driving. It's not a competition! Does it really matter The first thing we all need to do is take a little more pride in our rides. And what I mean is, just try to wash your car at least 2 or 3 times a year…a clean car is a happy car. But before we wander to far, let’s get back on the subject of safe driving, because we all know before you can make it fun, you have to make it safe. You should never attempt to operate a car when under the influence of mind and or body altering substances. But did you know driving while really angry or really sad can be just as dangerous? Have you done it? I’ve done it. Don’t be afraid or too proud to ask for help. These tips may or may not meet your state’s education requirements, but if you make a conscience effort to apply this knowledge, wait about 6 months and ask your insurance agent about a 5 percent discount.
Everyone has issues and or problems we have to deal with at any given time. Driving while intoxicated is a choice. But each and every time you get behind the wheel check your emotions and remember the first task at hand is safely operating the motor vehicle you’re in control of. My first rule of safety is to not talk, text or check your cell phone messages while driving. Everyone thinks they can do it and still keep up with traffic and their surroundings, but they can’t. You end up holding up traffic because you waited an extra 3 seconds after the light changed to green or you cut off two or three lanes of traffic because your turn or exit came up faster than you anticipated. Pay attention and drive!
Now for some of the more technical aspects of driving. Stay clear of unsafe situations. Ever notice while driving in city freeway traffic how motorist tend to drive in groups? You’ve seen ‘em, ten or more cars traveling at about the same speed in close proximity and if someone wants to pass they can’t because there is nowhere to go. Be aware of your surroundings and slow down or speed up to get out of the group. Watch for road construction signs and don’t wait ‘til the last 10 feet to merge left or right because you didn’t think the lane closed ahead sign a mile back applied to you. Turn Signals. I’m starting to think maybe the dealers should sell this as an option. If you don’t purchase this option, your insurance premium will be increased by $6000 annually. But really, use them if your car is so equipped. They let others know what you are attempting to do. When I say others I don’t just mean motorist, but also cyclist,(bicycle) pedestrians, joggers and the such. Did you know motorist who also walk, ride a bike or jog on neighborhoods streets are more aware of pedestrians and bicyclist when they are driving? It’s true. So get out and walk around a little bit.
Four way stops. Who goes first? Whoever got there first, get to proceed first. Yes it’s that simple. People who sit there and wave everyone else thru, don’t know what they’re doing. While being courteous will make driving fun…there’s that f word again…the rules of driving in your state still have to be followed.
Night Driving
Visibility is reduced at night. Why? Because it's dark. Even those of you with 20/20 vision can't see as well at night. In some areas the nighttime speed limits are 5 mph slower than the daytime limits. It is difficult to see pedestrians and other foot traffic from a distance even if there is street lighting. If you're going too fast and come up on a tire, a dead animal or any other road debris you may not have time to maneuver and can cause damage to your vehicle, yourself and others. So just slow down when driving at night especially if you're unfamiliar with the area.
Elderly Drivers
I give kudos to those who are still driving in their 80's. Sure hope I'm one of those, anyway, they're a little slower... ok, sometimes a lot slower. But they still need to go to the grocery store and attend medical appointments or maybe go visit their kids because their kids say they are too busy to go visit them. Maybe they just want to go hang at the senior center for bingo, checkers or whatever is going on. Sure their reflexes are a little slower and their vision isn't as sharp. The point is, don't flash your lights if you're behind them or honk your horn or get as close as you can without hitting their car and then pass at a high rate of speed. That type of behavior can make them lose their concentration and lose control of the vehicle. The tip here is to back off and as soon as it is safe you can pass in a courteous fashion.
Highway Driving
Please be very vigilante when traveling on a two lane highway. Pay attention to the no passing zones and always check twice before engaging the pass. If traveling on a highway with four lanes or more, please do not impede traffic by driving in the far left lane, also known as the passing lane. You may not believe this but driving too slow can be more dangerous than driving too fast. Remember, driving is not just keeping the car straight and avoiding objects and pedestrians, it's about merging and knowing when to speed up and when to slow down. It's about paying attention and looking ahead. Speed limits are posted for our safety, sometimes you can drive the posted limits but sometimes you can't. Arriving at your destination with a normal heart rate and blood pressure with your car intact should be the goal.