Defensive Driving Tips To Save Your Life

Vigilance is the key in order to keep your passengers and yourself safe at all times. Therefore, here are some defensive driving tips that can save your life.

1. Never tailgate. Make sure there is enough room between you and the car in front of you. Give yourself, say, 3 to 4 feet away. This will allow you to break unexpectedly without rear-ending any cars.

2. Distractions can be deadly, so don’t allow yourself to have any. Avoid talking, eating, and even using your GPS because this is dangerous. You cannot afford to have your attention divided because you need to keep your eyes and focus 100% on the road. This is the reason for so many obstacle and vehicle collisions. Make an effort to wake up early and eat a decent breakfast and enjoy your coffee or hot chocolate. Do not do this while you are driving because once you spill that super hot liquid on your lap, you may find yourself swerving into the wrong lane and even colliding with another car.

3. Preparing to go on the road is like preparing for an unexpected calamity. Make sure you have all the necessities handy. This will include flashlight, water, blanket, map, and most importantly a first aid kit, just in case you will need it.

4. Make sure you know the day’s weather before stepping out of the house so you can better prepare for it. Some weather conditions make it very difficult or even impossible to drive because of visibility. Whether it be snow, blizzards or heavy rain, make sure you know ahead of time so you can anticipate on your action plan.

5. Never text while driving. It sounds utterly simple but people who are texting while driving cause so many road accidents. Again, do not allow anything to distract you from the road.

6. Have your car checked up regularly. Not only will this prolong your vehicle’s use, it will ensure that it is safe being it always in tiptop form. You can avoid tire blowouts by having routine checks on their pressure levels. Moreover, have your breaks checks for heavy wearing. This defect can be deadly when you are on the road. In addition, have regular oil changes, every other month at least.

7. Never drink and drive, more so if you are under the influence of drugs. You will either end up at the hospital, in the morgue or in prison for this. Same thing goes when you are very sleepy or extremely exhausted as this can be deadly. Do not attempt to drive under any of these conditions.

8. Be alert for reckless drivers on the road. Check your mirrors and make sure you are not driving in other people’s blind spots.

9. Observe speed limits at all times. Speed limits are supposed to protect you when you are on the road. Never mind if other drivers are doing this. Control yourself and fight the urge to accelerate when someone is tailgating, just let him or her pass.

10. If you are travelling with small children, make sure they are in a booster seat so they are well protected. Regular seat belts cannot do this because they are intended for adults’ use only. Only when they are about 8-12 years old will this fit them properly. Until then keep them in booster seats for maximum protection.

11. Keep your cool when you are driving. Road rage is just as dangerous as any other driving offense. Everyone is busy, everyone is in a hurry, but if everyone learns to take turns and give way, the sooner he or she will get to his or her destination.

12. Finally, make sure that everyone buckles up, you most importantly. This can save your life in more ways that you can imagine.

Follow these simple and effective defensive driving tips for a safe and hassle-free journey.