Driving can sometimes be a scary ordeal. Aggressive, inattentive, and impaired drivers not only pose a threat to themselves, but to other drivers sharing the road with them. While you can’t control the actions of others, you have the power to make the roads safer while protecting yourself, your passengers, and your vehicle by being a defensive driver.
Follow these tips to hone your skills and stay safe behind the wheel:
- Be Aware. Being aware of your surroundings may seem like common sense, but this is the easiest and best way to protect yourself and others while traveling the roadways. Check your side- and rear-view mirrors periodically (every 5-10 seconds is suggested) and when your changing lanes or turning. Scan your peripheral for other vehicles and potential obstructions for at least a quarter-mile ahead. For those driving larger vehicles or towing wider loads, make a conscious effort to scan your surroundings more frequently.
- Delete Distractions. In today’s digital world, our main distraction is the cell phone. While hands-free calling appears to be safer, it takes your attention off the road and increases accident risk. Your best bet is to resist the urge to use your phone while driving. If you need to make or take a call, pull over in a safe area and resume driving once your call is completer. However, cell phones are not the only factor. Checking your GPS for directions, adjusting the climate or radio, and even eating affects our situational awareness. Plan ahead by programming your GPS prior to the start of your trip and mapping our restaurants and rest stops along your route.
- Rest Up. Tired or sleep-deprived driving is considered distracted driving and thus has a negative impact on your attentiveness. When driving long distances, stop every few hours to walk around, stretch out, and recharge your batteries. If you have a travel buddy, alternate driving shifts.
- Get a Grip. In driver’s education we were taught to keep our hands at “ten and two,” but times have necessitated us to change to “nine and three.” Should you get in an accident and the airbag deploys, the “nine and three” position gives you the range of motion to turn and react if needed with a higher chance of avoiding injury.
- Be Ready to React. Follow the “three-second rule” while driving; maintain a “three-second” following distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you. Increase the distance inclement weather or other difficult driving conditions. This will allow you the necessary time to react to accidents or other unforeseen situations.
Following these defensive driving tips will not only make the roads safer for everyone, but it also removes the fear-factor, allowing the drive to be an enjoyable part of the journey.
If you are driving a trailer this winter in the snow, contact Terry's Auto Body & Trailer Sales for all your trailer needs, repairs, and maintenance. Avoid disaster and keep your family safe while driving. Call 641-985-2536 or visit our website at www.ricevilletrailers.com.
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