Practicing Safe Driving

I never imagined myself driving at such a young age. I remember having the conversation with friends about how expensive car insurance was for us because of our age, and discussing the benefits of having a clean driving record that comes with being a safe driver over the years. My step dad helped me practice safe driving, and I appreciated all of his police officer safety driving tips.

Tip 1: It is important to make sure that not only is our car in good condition, but we as a driver must be in the present state. The vehicle being used should be kept up on maintenance and the driver should be aware of practicing safe driving. The importance of educating new, future, or existing drivers about safe driving can save so many lives. Driver education is a form of practice that educates drivers how to safely use vehicle features. While also providing tips such as adjusting mirrors and looking over at your blind spots. This important information can save the initial driver and drivers in the vehicles around them from a deadly or severe accident.

Tip 2: Other important factors are being completely sober while driving. Otherwise, it can lead to a DUI or can be life threatening. Recently a family friend lost his life in a DUI accident that killed him and injured a few others, but the driver survived and is now facing severe charges. Practicing safe driving is also checking to make sure any prescribed medication is not used unintentionally or intentionally while driving.

Tip 3: It is also important to stay calm while driving, and to share the road. I have experienced a couple of car accidents that were caused by drivers who were stingy with the roads that are meant to share. One of the drivers made a sudden turn on a busy road which then caused her to hit me and pushed my car into the opposite lane, where another car crashed into me head on. Being fully aware of which lane you are driving on, speed limit, and keeping your eyes on all of your mirrors simultaneously, can help prevent accidents like this one, and even death.

Tip 4: To be a better and safer driver, it is important to drive with a good night’s rest. Other ways of practicing safe driving, is to make sure you leave ahead of time to get to your destination safely, and while going the actual speed limit! Getting to your destination earlier than expected is always a good thing anyways.

Tip 5: Distractions. I know for iPhones we have a “Do Not Disturb Driving” button that is easy to activate with a personal message stating that you are on the road. Cell phones are such a huge distraction and have caused many accidents all because someone could not wait for the car to be parked or at least get to a red light! Unless you drive a Tesla, there shouldn’t be a reason for people to be snapping and driving. The radio can be just as much of a distraction as the cell phone, because the driver then focuses on which song they want to vibe to while driving. What I do is make a driving playlist for myself, so that before I hit the road, all I have to do is hit shuffle. Having multiple people in the car that are being loud and rowdy can also be a distraction, but can be tamed.

Tip 6: Being sure to pay attention to the signs on the road is extremely important when practicing safe driving. Freeway entrances, speed limit posts, merging lanes, etc. can help drivers stay aware of what can happen ahead of them. If you’re an experienced driver reading this, and has yet to drive onto a one way road, respect. Not only is it embarrassing to be seen going the wrong way on a one way, but it is extremely dangerous!

Tip 7: Practicing safe driving also means paying attention to the pedestrians around you. Many people including blind people use the crosswalk at stoplights everyday, and it is important for the driver to pay attention to who is crossing the crosswalk, by giving them the right of way. As well as staying aware when there are school buses near us. School buses usually stop and drivers behind the school bus must come to a complete stop until all children are done crossing or until the bus stop sign is put away.

Practicing safe driving within these tips and more are extremely important to follow so that we can keep the roads safe.

Thank You!