Staying safe on the road is no easy task. Even safe drivers are vulnerable to reckless or negligent drivers and the thousands of accident fatalities they cause every day. There is very little that anyone can do to change a reckless driver’s habits while they are on the road, so the most we can do is practice proper defensive driving habits. These habits can help protect yourself and your passengers this summer:
Avoid fatigued driving
No matter how many years of experience you have as a driver, fatigue can eliminate your capabilities on the road. Whether you are driving home after a long day at work or are on your 11th hour of driving on a road trip, if you feel tired, ask a passenger to drive for a bit or pull over and rest until you are refreshed enough to drive again.
Do not eat and drive
Long car rides often call for pit stops, but some drivers will choose to eat on the go to save time. Holding food or a drink in one hand while trying to drive in the other limits your ability to use proper signaling and have full control of your vehicle. Additionally, if your food creates a mess, it can take much more of your focus off the road and cause you to get into an accident.
Do not use your phone while driving
Taking calls, making texts, and updating your GPS are all things that take your eyes off the road. Even looking away from the road for a few seconds is comparable to driving blindfolded for hundreds of feet. Instead of using your phone on the road, set your GPS before driving, and wait to take calls or texts until you get to your destination. If you have to take a call, pull over to a safe location first.
Your safety comes first
It can be easy to take your safety for granted while driving. Even after years of not getting in an accident, anyone can still cause one. Do your part to keep the roads safe by taking the necessary precautions to keep yourself and those around you safe while on the road.
