As a driver, you want to stay safe when you are on the roads. After all, it is not just your safety that concerns you if there are other people in the car. Still, that doesn’t mean that you will always do the right thing when it comes to safety. Some drivers either don’t know or don’t care that they are making basic safety mistakes when they are driving. To find out whether you are one of those drivers or not, take a look at the questions below and answer them honestly. They should help you figure out whether you are fine or whether you need to make a change.
Do You Drink And Drive?
Most drivers know that driving drunk is not right. However, you don’t have to be drunk to drink and drive. Although alcohol considerably impairs your senses and reactions, lots of drivers will have one or two beers and still drive home. That amount may be the legal limit, but it is not safe. The alcohol in your system can make you do things that you would never do while you are at the wheel, and that is dangerous. The result is that you raise the chances of an accident by quite a margin. Whether it is legal or not, cut out the alcohol altogether when you drive.
Do You Drive Tired?
Do you think that it is okay to drive when you are feeling drowsy? If the answer is yes, you are putting your safety at risk. Tiredness may not have the same effect as alcohol, but it is dangerous. In fact, one of the biggest causes of car accidents is drivers that fall asleep at the wheel. It is important to remember that driving is monotonous, and it can be boring. Sometimes, there is no way to snap out of that pattern and stay awake. Plus, even if you don’t fall asleep, there is a good chance that your drowsiness will affect your reaction times. That split second extra that it takes you to react when you are tired could be the difference between life and death.
Do You Speed?
The answer to that question is yes. Almost every driver that can legally drive doesn’t stick to the speed limit. There is no need for you to go exactly 30 mph because there is no one that can tell you to do otherwise. And, the police won’t be able to notice the difference unless they have a speed gun. Going 35 mph in a 30 zone is a common occurrence on the road, but it is not entirely safe. It is a fact that the extra 5mph could be a deciding factor in an accident with another motorist or a pedestrian. Although it doesn’t seem like much, it is a lot when you are driving a ton of metal travelling at high speeds. Always try and stick to the speed limit and only go as fast as the road permits. Take a look at http://www.driving-test-success.com to find out more.
Do You Inspect Your Vehicle?
Getting your car on the road is not that difficult. However, that doesn’t mean that it is safe to drive as things change over time. If you have not had a vehicle inspection in a while, you are not taking your safety seriously. Just because there isn’t a noticeable problem doesn’t mean that there isn’t a problem. In fact, a problem may be brewing under the surface that could tear apart the car and cause lots of damage. The only way to find out is to visit http://www.milestoneliberty.com/germantown-auto-repair-services/general-vehicle-maintenance/md-vehicle-safety-inspections. This web page, and others like it, is great for finding information about safety. And, you can even book an inspection if you live in the local area. Regardless of your location, make sure you inspect your car on a regular basis.
Do You Let Distractions Divert Your Attention?
The best and worst thing about being an experienced driver is the fact that driving is second nature. Experienced drivers don’t have to think about what they are doing – they just do it. The problem with this is that you may not pay attention to the road because you are so confident behind the wheel. Obviously, this is a dangerous course of action as anything can happen when you are driving. There is a good chance that you won’t react in time if you let distractions affect you. Or, you may not see the danger until it is too late.
Do You Wear Your Seat Belt?
It is amazing how many drivers don’t wear their safety belt when they are driving. Some may find it uncomfortable while others may not think it is cool. It doesn’t matter what you think because your belt could save your life. Any driver needs to make sure that they strap in before they set off, even if they are not going far. Also, you need to make sure that everyone else in the car is wearing their safety belt. They may not hurt themselves by not wearing their belt, but they could hurt someone else in the car. As the driver, it is your prerogative to ensure that everyone in the car complies with the safety regulations.
Do You Change Your Driving Style In Bad Weather?
Anyone that isn’t more careful in bad weather is a hazard to themselves and everyone else on the roads. When the rain, snow and ice hit, they dramatically affect the road conditions. Driving quickly, or even to the speed limit, is not a safe way to drive because it takes longer to stop. The lack of friction on the road makes driving in bad weather a lot harder. As a result, you need to drive slower. The good people at http://www.realsimple.com have put together some tips on how to drive in bad weather.
Do You Only Care About Yourself?
You are not the only driver on the road, so don’t act like it. When you drive, you need to take other drivers’ actions into consideration to stay safe. Even though it seems implausible, drivers can do the strangest things when they are behind the wheel. Be ready for the improbable to make sure they don’t affect your safety.
Hopefully, these questions will make you a safer driver.
Tags: biggest causes of car accidents is drivers that fall asleep
