Driving is dangerous at times, there are no two ways about it. Sometimes humans make mistakes and when those mistakes happen behind the wheel of a three-ton vehicle, they can be costly. Our roads cause more accidents and fatalities than any other mode of transport, despite it being the most commonly used.
There are, however, a few simple things we can all be doing to increase our safety whilst driving for both yourself and the other road users around you. Whether you are driving for work as part of a fleet or simply a driver who wants to feel they are being a little safer on the road, these tips should help you. Read on to find out our six most effective ways to increase safety whilst driving.
Use New Technology
There are plenty of new technologies available for drivers to help assist with driving. A dashcam or eld camera can be used to help keep you safe on the road. They will record everything that has happened in your journey allowing you to re-watch for any potential hazards or train other drivers in safety using your footage. Many also link to GPS, ELD, and insurance companies, meaning you can get discounted rates on insurance and improved safety records – especially if you are part of a driving business.
Alongside this, modern satellite navigation systems – often linked to our phones – can be amazing. They have live reporting of incidents and accidents ahead, meaning you can quickly change route or slow down if you are made aware of such incidents. They also help keep you in check by reminding you of speed limits and hazards.
Avoid Personal Technology
Though these driving technologies are great, we should not let them influence us into making the choice to use other tech whilst driving. Using your mobile phone for texting and personal calls whilst driving is extremely dangerous, as the lack of concentration on the road can lead to severe accidents. The same applies to trying to pick or change a playlist or other similar distractions whilst driving. Set everything up before you start driving and do not pick up your phone.
Set Limits And Take Breaks
One of the most common ways drivers are found to cause accidents is due to tiredness. In fact, driving tired is almost as dangerous as driving drunk. This tip is extremely simple: set driving limits and take breaks. Do not drive tired. In commercial driving, your company often set rules on this. In personal life, you must set these rules yourself. A common example is to take a break of 15 minutes every 2 hours and not drive for more than 6 hours in a day.
Don’t Tailgate
Tailgating is the act of driving too close to the car in front of you. Many of us do this without realising. The danger here is that if the driver in front hits the brakes for an emergency stop, you won’t have enough time to react and follow suit. Make sure you are a two-second distance behind the car in front to ensure you have given yourself enough space and enough time to slow down in the event of an emergency.
Obey The Rules Of The Road
This seems simple, but it’s something many, many drivers ignore all too often. There are rules and practices in place to help keep roads safe. The most obvious (and most often ignored) is the speed limit. Speed limits are designed to keep each type of road as safe as possible while allowing you to travel as fast as safely possible. There is no need to speed and put everyone else around you at risk. When the limit changes, a sign tells you to ‘stay in lane’ or any other instruction is given, just stick to it. These rules are only in place to keep you safe.
Never Drink And Drive
Finally, and quite obviously, you should never drink and drive. Even after 2 units of alcohol our vision and, most importantly, our reaction time becomes impaired. Just that split second of delay can be the difference between life and death. The risk is huge, even if you’re within legal driving limits. Of course, drinking more increases the risk, so don’t ever drive to a bar knowing you’ll have a few drinks – just take a cab.
These 6 tips are the most simple, yet most effective ways to stay safe on the road. Follow these and you’ll know you’re doing everything you can to keep yourself and others safe on the roads. After all, driving should be safe and enjoyable!
