Practical Tips to Make Your Driving Safer

Practical Tips to Make Your Driving Safer

There are many millions of automobile accidents worldwide each year. While some of these are undoubtedly due to circumstances outside of drivers’ control, most of them are connected to driver error in one way or another. Sometimes, the culprit is a young speedster; other times, it’s an overly cautious senior. And sometimes, it’s a great driver who loses focus for one second. No matter what our age, experience, or driving record, we can all improve behind the wheel.

Here are some practical driving tips from Next Drive Auto Dealership that can help you increase your safety, as well as those around you.

Understand Your Insurance

Each driver should know what their insurance policy covers before they get behind the wheel. For instance, what would happen in the event of an accident? How much would you be liable for, including your car as well as any other drivers involved? Does your car insurance cover the cost of repairs and pay for medical bills? Understanding your coverage can encourage you to drive with more caution. Also, be sure you are up to date on your policy before you renew each year, as the details can change without notice.

Stay focused

When an accident occurs due to driver error, it often happens because one or more drivers were not paying attention. Maintaining your focus is the most important aspect of driving. Whatever it takes, devote your full attention to the road and your surroundings anytime you get behind the wheel. Drivers should never text, and cell phone usage should be limited. If you use your phone for navigation, it’s safest to put it on a mount where you can access it easily without looking away from the road. If you need to make a call, set it up to be hands-free if possible.

Control Your Emotions

Another common reason for accidents is when drivers let their emotions influence their actions. It could be from a personal instance or circumstance unrelated to driving or from an action of another driver. Whatever the reason, always have your emotions under control before getting behind the wheel, and if you’re already driving, pull over somewhere until you’re calm. High emotions can quickly lead to road rage and irrational decision making.

To help control your emotions, it’s best to be mindful of your stress levels whenever you’re driving. When you simply hop in the car to escape, you’re likely focused elsewhere. So before you even get behind the wheel, take a minute to identify the source of your stress. If it’s your chaotic house, take steps to correct it by organising, decluttering and cleaning. If it’s your job, plan to talk to your supervisor or look for something new. The point is, additional stressors can affect your behaviour on the road. By taking steps to reduce stress in other parts of your life, you can enjoy less stress when you’re driving.

Make Sure You Practice Basic Driving Rules

There are certain rules of the road that can be overlooked by even the best of drivers. These are simple enough, but it’s essential to use them every time you drive. Along with staying focused and never driving while under the influence or sleepy, here are a few of the rules:

• Make sure all your lights are working (e.g., headlights, brake lights, taillights).
• Use your indicators appropriately to alert other drivers of your intentions to turn.
• Don’t switch lanes in the middle of an intersection.
• Don’t speed.
• Allow speeding cars to pass you.
• Don’t try to beat the red light; yellow doesn’t mean to speed up.

Car accidents happen to people of all ages and experience, and everyone can get better at driving. Start by making sure you know the details of your insurance coverage. Remember to stay focused and to keep your emotions under control at all times on the road. Finally, always practice the essential rules of the road that help keep you and other drivers safe. Safe driving is great driving, and taking steps toward improvement will benefit everyone on the road.

Next Drive Auto Dealership is a specialist used car dealership based in Coventry, Warwickshire. If you have any questions, let us know!