Basic Traffic Safety Tips For Any Driver
With so many pedestrians, other drivers, huge semi trucks, weather and other obstacles, drivers should always take the some basic precautions to arrive at their final destination safely. Following is a list of traffic safety tips that drivers interested in safer driving may find helpful when navigating the way to work, the store, or wherever.
- Be sure to maintain your vehicle adequately. Check the filters, fluids, spark plugs, belts and hoses prior to using your vehicle. Check the gas and make sure the tires are inflated properly.
- You can lower the chances of an accident by lowering the distractions in your vehicle itself! For example, try avoiding the glare that comes from the overhead lights, commonly used by the passengers for putting on makeup or eating.
- Keep a check on your emotions and don't get angry with other drivers.
- Concentrate on your driving! There's no point pounding on the steering wheel, yelling or honking the horn. This will only serve to distract you.
- Try being a considerate and cautious driver. Don't create a situation which can aggravate other drivers
- Avoid flashing your lights at other drivers.
- Don't tailgate! Following another vehicle too closely can be disastrous should the person step on their brakes and stop suddenly or if they encounter a problem. You simply won't have enough time to respond if you are following them too closely.
- If your vehicle is in the fast lane and another driver wishes to pass, move to the right and allow the driver to pass.
- Ensure you use the horn sparingly and not to annoy other drivers.
- Don't use cell phones while driving. According to a recent survey, one in every four accidents occurs due to cell phone usage. When you are talking on the phone, not only is this a huge distraction that hinders your brain's response time, but you are probably holding the phone with one of your hands, which should be on the steering wheel instead. If you must use a cell phone, get off the road and pull to the side to use it. Or get a hands free type phone. A hands free accessory is available that allows you to talk on the phone without having to hold the phone. Still, you should be sure to pull to the side if you are engrossed in a tense conversation, as you may not be concentrating properly on driving, which can be a hazard to yourself and other drivers.
- If you are close to a rail road crossing, make sure you lower the speed of your vehicle and to obey any signals or crossing notices. You'd be surprised how many people die each year from getting hit by a train just because they feel they can beat the train.
- When around a rail crossing, turn off the radio and open the window so you can hear whether a train is approaching or not.
- Avoid stopping your vehicle at the rail tracks, even if a train is not coming.
Traffic rules keep on changing and new distractions are always becoming a trend. Hence, it is your responsibility to keep yourself updated with these rules and possible distractions. You should never assume that the other driver will be paying attention, because chances are, they aren't. Following these simple rules and tips can help you get to your destination safer, more quickly and avoid accidents.
- Be sure to maintain your vehicle adequately. Check the filters, fluids, spark plugs, belts and hoses prior to using your vehicle. Check the gas and make sure the tires are inflated properly.
- You can lower the chances of an accident by lowering the distractions in your vehicle itself! For example, try avoiding the glare that comes from the overhead lights, commonly used by the passengers for putting on makeup or eating.
- Keep a check on your emotions and don't get angry with other drivers.
- Concentrate on your driving! There's no point pounding on the steering wheel, yelling or honking the horn. This will only serve to distract you.
- Try being a considerate and cautious driver. Don't create a situation which can aggravate other drivers
- Avoid flashing your lights at other drivers.
- Don't tailgate! Following another vehicle too closely can be disastrous should the person step on their brakes and stop suddenly or if they encounter a problem. You simply won't have enough time to respond if you are following them too closely.
- If your vehicle is in the fast lane and another driver wishes to pass, move to the right and allow the driver to pass.
- Ensure you use the horn sparingly and not to annoy other drivers.
- Don't use cell phones while driving. According to a recent survey, one in every four accidents occurs due to cell phone usage. When you are talking on the phone, not only is this a huge distraction that hinders your brain's response time, but you are probably holding the phone with one of your hands, which should be on the steering wheel instead. If you must use a cell phone, get off the road and pull to the side to use it. Or get a hands free type phone. A hands free accessory is available that allows you to talk on the phone without having to hold the phone. Still, you should be sure to pull to the side if you are engrossed in a tense conversation, as you may not be concentrating properly on driving, which can be a hazard to yourself and other drivers.
- If you are close to a rail road crossing, make sure you lower the speed of your vehicle and to obey any signals or crossing notices. You'd be surprised how many people die each year from getting hit by a train just because they feel they can beat the train.
- When around a rail crossing, turn off the radio and open the window so you can hear whether a train is approaching or not.
- Avoid stopping your vehicle at the rail tracks, even if a train is not coming.
Traffic rules keep on changing and new distractions are always becoming a trend. Hence, it is your responsibility to keep yourself updated with these rules and possible distractions. You should never assume that the other driver will be paying attention, because chances are, they aren't. Following these simple rules and tips can help you get to your destination safer, more quickly and avoid accidents.