Staying safe on Texas roads

As of 2021, Interstate 20 ranked 8th in America for most dangerous roads. I’m currently learning to drive, using I-20 to get around the city. So to protect myself and others while on the road, I must be educated on driver’s laws and use defensive driving techniques.

All road users should be informed about the driving laws in their state and country, regardless of whether they have a permit or license, or the amount of driving experience. Some basic driving laws include avoiding any driving distractions, wearing a seatbelt, using a blinker to indicate changing a lane, applying the correct following distance while driving, and not exceeding the speed limit.

One of the most common driving distractions is using GPS. Gps has become an everyday tool for many drivers. Using voice directions for Gps is an option to drive safer while on the road. That way, motorists can keep their eyes on the road while staying informed on upcoming turns.

Roughly 52% of car accidents happen within 5 miles of the home. So to reduce the risk of serious injury by 50%, all drivers should put their seatbelts on before starting the car. Another pro of wearing a seat belt in Texas is saving up to 200 dollars from fines.

Proper usage of seatbelts is also necessary to ensure that they are effective. The shoulder belt should be across the user’s shoulders and chest, while the lap belt needs to lie across the thighs. If the belt lies across the neck it needs to be adjusted using the belt’s height adjuster, located next to the door. A belt extender can be purchased if the lap belt lies across the stomach or chest.

I have experienced cars changing to my lane countless times while on I-20 without using their blinkers. That’s extremely dangerous because of the factors going into it. Each car’s speeds, the distance between us, and our driving experience. I’ve been able to avoid collisions by keeping an eye on the lanes beside me and the cars behind me. Over 2 million accidents happen annually due to failing to signal before changing lanes. This number can be lowered by using a signal and being aware of other cars’ movements.

Following distances are a crucial part of roadway safety. It ensures enough time to slow down without hitting the car in front. For new drivers, it is advised to keep a distance of four seconds between your vehicle and the one ahead of you when going 30 to 45 mph. It should be 5 seconds for speeds up to 50 to 65 mph. However, this only applies in ideal weather. For poor driving conditions, motorists should add 1 to 2 more seconds of distance. On snowy or icy roadways 3 seconds need to be incorporated.

Speed limits are there for a reason. They ensure reasonable speeds to protect users of the roads. Speed limits tie back into following distances. When everyone follows the posted limits they know how much time they need to put between each other. The stress of being late while driving is risky. A failsafe to make sure you are safely able to follow the limit is giving yourself enough time to reach your destination.

As a driver in Texas, it is wise to have a good grasp of defensive driving techniques because this can increase your chances of being a safe driver.

Keeping your emotions in check is necessary while driving. As of 2022, Texas is first in road rage shootings. To prevent an incident involving guns, you’ll need to learn to let things go, apologize after making a mistake, or just remove yourself from the situation if possible.

Expecting the unexpected is one of the essential parts of being a defensive driver. Being aware of the cars around you and taking in information about your location can aid in predicting possible situations.

Checking the vehicle blindspots is another aspect of being aware of your surroundings. I almost merged into a car because I started to move over before checking my blind spot. I had only checked my side mirror before merging. Luckily at the last moment, I remembered to look out of my window to make sure no one was there. It is vital to do this every time, especially for motorcyclists, which are easier to hide in your blind spot.

Staying alert and aware while on the road is well advised. Getting enough rest can make it easier to be vigilant. Looking around your surroundings can also help you stay alert. It can assist in keeping from zoning out and becoming distracted.

It’s good to plan on taking a break every 100 miles if you are going on a long road trip. If possible, take turns driving with passengers. Taking these steps can help in staying alert while on a trip.

To guarantee safety on the roads of Texas, all road users must thoroughly understand road laws and embrace defensive driving techniques. Keeping these things in mind could help you navigate the most dangerous roads in America.