Driving Safety Tips: A Guide To Keeping Safe On The Road
Driving is an essential part of modern life, transporting us to all of our essential and important places. While driving is probably just another easy task you don’t put too much thought into, there are certain safety and etiquette habits that seem to have been somewhat forgotten in the last several years, putting more drivers in danger of potential risks on the road. From distracted drivers to unpredictable weather conditions, there are many factors that can cause accidents on the road. By following a few simple driving safety tips, you can significantly reduce your risk of getting into an accident.
Avoid Distracted Driving
There’s no doubt that one of the biggest risks on the road today is distracted driving. We’ve all been guilty of letting other factors temporarily take our attention away from the road, such as texting, talking on the phone, eating, or even rubbernecking. We understand that keeping focus might be easier said than done, especially when in the company of other passengers, so we’ve compiled some tips to help all drivers pay better attention on the road.
Tips To Avoid Distracted Driving:
Put your phone away while you're behind the wheel. If a call or text is urgent and simply cannot wait, pull over to a safe location.
While taking your meal on the go might sound nice, try to avoid eating or drinking while driving and keep your attention focused on the road.
Avoid rubbernecking (turning your head to look at an accident or some other kind of incident on the road) because it can distract you from the road and cause accidents.
Safe Driving Tips: Myths vs. Reality
With all of the driving safety tips swirling in the media, it’s important to note that some of these “tips” are actually not always valid and can actually be more dangerous in certain scenarios. For example, some people believe that driving slower is always safer, but this is not necessarily true. In fact, driving too slowly can be just as dangerous as driving too fast, as it can cause other drivers to become frustrated and try to pass you.
It's important to be aware of these myths and focus on the reality of safe driving. This includes maintaining a safe following distance (no tailgating), being aware of other drivers and anticipating their movements, always using your turning signals and changing lanes carefully, and obeying traffic laws and speed limits.
Defensive Driving
Let’s talk about defensive driving; and, no, we don’t mean “road rage” in this case. Defensive driving is all about being aware of your surroundings and anticipating potential hazards. By following some simple steps, you can reduce your risk of getting into a collision and ensure the safety of yourself and others on the road.
Here are some key steps to be a defensive driver:
Pay attention to your surroundings. This includes other drivers, pedestrians, and road conditions.
Always wear your seatbelt (literally lifesaving) and make sure all passengers do the same.
Maintain a safe following distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you. If you rear-end the car in front of you for following too closely, it’s your fault.
Be prepared to react quickly to unexpected situations or hazards (think making way for emergency vehicles, keeping a lookout for another driver losing control, or yielding to a pedestrian crossing the street without the right-away).
Follow traffic laws and road signs (this one should be obvious).
Use your turn signals when changing lanes or turning. Even when no one is behind you, it’s important to get into the habit of doing this.
Check your blind spots before changing lanes or merging.
Be patient and courteous to other drivers, even if they are not driving safely.
Keeping Safe On The Roads During Severe Weather
Driving in bad weather is never ideal and can be challenging. It requires extra precautions to ensure your safety and the safety of others on the road. From snow and ice to heavy rain and fog, different weather conditions can make driving more difficult and increase the risk of accidents. Because these conditions can be unpredictable, it’s important to stay prepared.
Here are some key tips to help you drive safely in bad weather:
Check weather and road conditions before heading out and plan your route accordingly.
Reduce your speed and keep a larger distance from the vehicle in front of you to allow for longer stopping distances.
Use your headlights to increase visibility and make yourself more visible to other drivers.
Be gentle on the brakes, accelerator, and steering wheel to avoid skidding or hydroplaning. Even if your vehicle has 4-wheel drive, your potential for skidding on the road is greater in rainy or snowy conditions.
Avoid sudden movements or sharp turns that can cause loss of control of the vehicle.
Use caution when driving on bridges or overpasses, which tend to freeze before other parts of the road.
Clear snow and ice from all windows, mirrors, and lights, and let it run for a few minutes before driving. Turn on the heat in your car and let it run for a few minutes before departing to help warm it up from the inside out.
Consider using snow tires or chains if you live in an area with heavy snow and ice.
If visibility is too low, pull over to a safe location and wait until conditions improve before continuing to drive. Be sure to put your hazard lights on while doing so.
Highway & Interstate Safety
Highway and interstate driving can present unique challenges and risks since all vehicles are moving at a faster pace. While this may sound more stressful than driving around town or on a neighborhood road, there are steps you can take to help ensure your safety and keep you calm behind the wheel:
Maintain a safe following distance from other vehicles, especially at high speeds. This gives you more time to react to sudden stops or changes in traffic flow.
Make sure to keep a close eye on road signs and traffic signals to avoid missing any important exits or turns.
Be aware of other drivers and anticipate their movements. This means keeping an eye out for aggressive or reckless drivers and being prepared to react appropriately if necessary.
Never drive while you’re significantly fatigued or tired. Highway and interstate driving can be tiring, but dozing off behind the wheel should never be a situation you find yourself in. On long road trips, taking a short break to stretch your legs or grab a snack can help you stay alert and focused on the road.
Safe Driving Preparedness
Before you actually hit the road, use the following checklist to make sure you’re good to go:
Check your lights and signals to ensure they're functioning properly
Adjust your seat, mirrors, and steering wheel to ensure a comfortable and safe driving position.
Wear your seatbelt always!
Check your vehicle's oil, coolant, and tire pressure to ensure they are at the recommended levels.
Pack an emergency kit that includes a first aid kit, a flashlight, extra batteries, and basic tools such as a tire gauge and a screwdriver.
Bring a fully charged cell phone and a phone charger with you.
Plan your route and check traffic conditions to avoid congestion and construction.
Follow The Law
Although obeying traffic laws and driving sober should be obvious, it’s important to reiterate. First off, no driver should ever drive under the influence. In addition, following basic traffic laws are crucial for safe driving. It's important to follow the rules of the road and remain alert and focused behind the wheel. By doing so, you can reduce the risk of accidents and ensure the safety of yourself and others on the road:
Follow posted speed limits and adjust your speed based on weather, traffic, and road conditions.
Observe road signs and markings and avoid illegal maneuvers such as passing on the right or driving on the shoulder.
Do not drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and do not get into a vehicle with someone who is under the influence.
Plan ahead and arrange for a designated driver, use a ridesharing service, or call a taxi if you plan to drink alcohol.
Remember, it's not just your own life that you're protecting by following these rules, but the lives of everyone around you.
Always Drive Insured
Auto insurance is crucial to protect yourself and your vehicle in case of an accident. Accidents can happen at any time, and having insurance coverage can help you avoid paying high out-of-pocket costs for damages or injuries. Farm Bureau Insurance of Tennessee offers a range of coverage options to fit your needs and budget. Their policies cover damages to your vehicle, liability for injuries or damages to others, and even medical payments. If you're looking for reliable and affordable insurance coverage for your vehicle, get a quote today and consider learning more from one of our local agents about how Farm Bureau Insurance of Tennessee can help you stay protected on the road.
