When you are behind the wheel of a car, safety should always be your number one priority. This does not mean simply staying off your phone while you are driving, it also means staying focused while you have passengers, when your favorite song comes on, or when your dog starts barking in the back seat.
Whether you are new to driving or have been cruising around South Daytona for years, it is always good to have a reminder about driving safety. Using appropriate caution while you are driving can make a significant difference if you find yourself in a position where you have to react to a negligent driver or some other unexpected roadway occurrence. Read below for some driving safety tips to help you avoid accidents.
Stay focused
As mentioned above, when you are driving, that is the only thing you should be focused on. You should put 100 percent of your attention on the road and operating the car every moment that you are behind the wheel. Do not use your phone or any other devices while you are driving. Need to check the GPS? Pull over in a safe place to check your location. Avoid speeding. If you are traveling too fast, you will not be able to respond in time if something out of the ordinary occurs on the road.
Use defensive driving techniques
Always pay attention to what the other drivers around you are doing. You never know when you might have to dodge a car that decides to come into your lane right on top of you. Always expect other drivers to do something unexpected. You cannot trust the other people on the road to make the right decisions to keep you safe. Be sure you have enough distance between you and the car in front of you in case that driver has to make a sudden stop. If the weather is bad, double that space.
Make a plan
If you are on a road trip, be sure you allow for frequent stops. You will more than likely need to stop for food, bathroom breaks, and refueling along the way. Make sure you have enough time to make such stops, even if you are just driving to work. This will keep you from trying to make up time by speeding. Also, when you first get in the car, before you pull out of the driveway, be sure your mirrors are in the right place, your seat is in a comfortable position, and you have the climate set correctly.
Make safety a priority
In addition to the above tips, you should do everything you can to ensure a safe ride. This includes securing any cargo you might have in the vehicle, keeping needed items close by so you can easily reach them, and always wear your seatbelt. Also, avoid driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
While the above safety tips may be able to keep you safe the majority of the time, sometimes it is not always possible to avoid the actions of a reckless driver. If you or a loved one has suffered injuries due to a negligent driver, you may be entitled to compensation. Your attorney will be able to help you fight for the justice you deserve.