Stay Safe on the Road: 9 Essential Driving Tips

#1 Respect other Road Users

Be respectful and courteous to the other road users such as pedestrians, cyclists, other cars and heavy road vehicles. Please follow the traffic rules and do not take the things for granted. Because you will never know what kind of surprise is waiting for you on the next corner. Leave your angry thoughts and agression outside of your car. Remember to take a deep breath before starting to drive or ride your vehicle and stay calm, don't get involved in any road rage situation.

#2 Avoid Distractions: Screens and Phones

8% of fatal accidents are caused due to distractions. Though you car might be equipped with fancy screens, Apple car play or Android Auto you will be distracted by notifications or rushing to reach your destination. Just remember "10 on 10" rule that your both hands should be in the position of a clock such that the time is 10:10. Avoid difficult conversations, eating, drinking or using phone while driving. Keep your focus on driving and if possible avoid controlling infotainment touchscreen if you have.

#3 Maintain Safe Distance: No Tailgating!

Keep a safe distance between you and the car ahead of you. Most of the driving instructors say its 2 to 3 seconds gap, that is almost 1 car ahead of you. One can practice by matching the rear wheel tyre line of the vehicle ahead of you and try to match it with the lower end of your wind screen. If there is a truck or trailer ahead of you keep this distance such that one truck or truck with trailer should be able fit in that distance. Avoid tailgating because your life is not like a film script, that everything will occur as per the plan.

#4 Always Buckle Up!

Seat belts are the 1st line of defence that keeps all the occupants safe in case of accident. Make sure every occupant in the vehicle is wearing. Because most of the safety systems such as air bags deploy when one is wearing the seat belt and also at certain speed (50+ km/h). In case of rolling of the vehicle it will keep the occupants protected and avoid flying away from the window or sunroof. Additionally seat belts keep your spine protected in case of impact.

In summary be mindful while driving and stay alert to avoid any accidents.
Let me know your thoughts on this article and your personal experiences on the road safety in the comments below or write me on writetous@themotoringminute.com

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#5 Obey Speed Limits

Speed limits are applied on the roads for the safety of the vehicles and controlling the flow of the traffic, avoiding congestion on highways and in cities. Therefore please obey the speed limits of the road you are driving, specially on the unfamiliar areas. Driving fast reduces your reaction time and increases stopping distance drastically. Driving fast for longer time is mentally and physically exhausting, many times you will receive heavy fines.

#6 Maintain Your Vehicle

Nearly 2% of road accidents are occured due to irregular maintenance of the vehicle. Keep your vehicle maintained not just mechanically but also cosmetically especially external lights, indicators, mirrors, wipers, tyres and glasses. Regularly service your vehicle as per the OEM specification and change if the parts are need to be replaced, avoiding breaking down of your vehicle in difficult situations. Therefore regulary check tyre pressure and its condition (including spare wheel), lights and brakes. Don't avoid any warning lights on your dashboard, contact your service center immediately. Avoid any modifications that will cause lapse of your warranty and non coverage by insurance causing a major financial loss.

#9 Stay Alert and Rested

According to the AAA Foundation for traffic safety, 94% of the road accidents are due to driver negligence. This negligence is related to the surroundings of the driver. Therefore be mindful of the surroundings and stay in the moment, avoid going into trans while driving. Check your mirrors and verify blind spots that no one is there while making any move. Do not over estimate your driving driving capabilities and underestimate driving and traffic sense of other drivers on the road. Always stay alert while driving and continously analyse your surroundings by judging the moves of others on the road. Practice use of turn signals even when you are parking your vehicle or no one is there. Adjust your speed and driving style according to external weather conditions. Remember precaution is always better than cure and having life long guilt of your negligence causing non recoverable losses.

#7 Don't Drive Under Any Influence: A-D-P-T-S

Don't drive the vehicle under the influence of Alcohol (A), Drugs (D), People (P), Time (T) and Stress (S). All of the stated influences can impair your judgement, coordination and reaction times that are extremely dangerous. Plan your journey well ahead of time and avoid racing against the time. Its always better to be late than never. If you drink alcohol or under the influence of sleep inducing medicines, then please avoid driving and stay home. Best option is to take a taxi or use public transport.

#8 Beware of Your Surroundings

Avoid long drives specially if you haven't rested enough. If you are tired on the road, go to the closest hotel or Restaurant or fueling station to take rest. A cup of black coffee or any enegry drink will never compensate for the good sleep. In case you are not feeling well while driving tell your co passengers and find a safe place to change the drivers. Take regular breaks on long trips and specially when you are driving alone to avoid losing your focus. Avoid heavy meals before sitting on the driving seat and avoid chilling cold air conditioner. During summer time keep ORS (Oral Rehydration Solutions) or electrolyte packages in your car to avoid dehydration.

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