Tips To Being A Safe Driver

As a driver, I am tasked with many responsibilities which includes but is not limited to being responsible and attentive. When I am on the road my life and everyone else’s is at risk no matter how much of a “safe driver” I am. The main things that you as a driver can use are the three important points I learned in my driving class, having your phone on driving mode/bluetooth, and driving without your emotions. Some other ways you can be a safe driver is not playing loud music and not driving with friends.

When I started my driving class my instructor gave me three important points that I should always remember every time I am on the road. These three important points are to judge, to control, and to focus. To judge while on the road means to pay attention to your surroundings and judge to make sure you make the right move. For example, when you are trying to turn out into the street you have to judge when it is safe to do so. To control means to handle your vehicle to the best of your ability. For instance, when you are making a left turn you have to take control of the wheel and gas. To focus means to monitor everything that is going on around you while still being able to drive safely. Another example is when you are driving, you need to focus on the road signs in case it could be a dead end, the lane is ending, or a four way stop is approaching.

Having your phone on driving mode/bluetooth is something that is useful and very efficient when driving. Possessing your phone while driving is a big distraction and can cause potentially fatal accidents. One look down at my phone while driving could be your last message or moment in life. With driving mode/bluetooth, it allows you the ability to answer calls, texts, and it also limits or silences your text messages and notifications. You will not have to pick up or even touch your phone while en route to my destination.

Driving without your emotions is another big step you can take whenever you are on the road. From my experience as a passenger, I was in fear of driving because of the reckless things people would do while on the road. Taking my driving class helped calm my nerves and realize that the more comfortable you are with driving, the less fearful it is. Even though many people let their emotions take control and do things like cut you off from turning, turn in front of you, etc you do not have to entertain their aggressive tactics. You can simply ignore them and keep being the safe driver that you learned to be.

Not playing loud music is another step that you can take when you get on the road. While driving, you should not have any distractions or background noise that could potentially distract you from the road. This is especially because of emergency services like fire trucks, ambulances, police, etc. You should be able to hear them in case you have to get out of the way or stop where you are. Another example is when you are about to cross the railroad. It is even more imperative to pay attention so you do not get hit by an incoming train.

Lastly, not driving with your friends in your vehicle is another way that you can promote safe driving. There is no problem with driving with your friends, but at the same time they could be a huge distraction. They may want to indulge in conversation, try to get your attention which steers you away from the road, play loud music, and many other things. To avoid things like this happening you can set strict rules/boundaries before they enter your car. If you have any more worries or issues, it may be in your best interest to not have your friends ride with you or limit their time in the car with you.

In conclusion, as a driver I have a huge responsibility of making sure I drive safely and responsibly no matter where I am going. I can achieve this by using the three important points I was taught, making sure my phone is on drive mode/bluetooth, and not driving with my emotions. Some extra things you can do are to not play loud music and not drive with your friends. You can’t control what other people do on the road but you can most definitely control your actions.