Driving around in a car brings a very pleasant feeling of freedom, doesn't it? Unfortunately, not everyone has the experience or even the courage to take the wheel. But don't worry: although anyone is prone to accidents, you can take some basic steps to drive safely and avoid headaches!
Steps
Method 1 of 14: Wear your seat belt
Step 1. Fasten your seat belt as soon as you get into the car
This is one of the most basic parts of any responsible driver's routine. As soon as you get into the car, fasten your seat belt and see if all passengers are wearing it too. If there are children in the middle, also make sure they are well protected.
According to research, wearing a seatbelt reduces the chances of injuries to passengers in a car after accidents by 70%
Method 2 of 14: Respect the speed limit
Step 1. Staying under the speed limit is not only a matter of respecting traffic laws, but also safety
The higher the speed, the more difficult it is for the driver to control the vehicle and avoid accidents. Always keep an eye on road signs, whether in the city or on the highways.
Method 3 of 14: Stay alert and keep an eye on the track
Step 1. Three seconds of distraction is more than enough for an accident to happen
The situation is even more serious with drivers who are always distracted or inattentive. Keep your focus on the track at all times to be able to react to everything around you. Also, never drive if you're tired or sleepy - and if you have to, stop for coffee and rest.
Method 4 of 14: Keep a distance equivalent to three or four seconds from the vehicle in front
Step 1. Stay relatively far away from the driver in front of you
The vehicle ahead is always the one with the greatest risk of accidents. Do the following: choose a fixed point or object, such as a road sign; wait for the next driver to pass it; and count how long it takes you to pass as well. This simple trick is very useful in terms of security.
You need to increase the distance to the vehicle in front even more in certain conditions, such as if it's at night or the track is wet or foggy
Method 5 of 14: Watch out for other drivers
Step 1. Don't expect drivers around you to drive safely or responsibly
Still, pay attention to them at all times - especially when someone wants to change lanes, overtake and the like. You will be much better prepared to react if you are always keeping an eye on others' actions.
Method 6 of 14: Watch out for motorcycles and bicycles too
Step 1. Pay extra attention to motorcycles and bicycles that pass near your car
Turn on the arrow whenever you are going to do any conversion or slow down. Also, add another second to that hint of distance from other vehicles when there are motorcyclists nearby (in case they make sudden stops).
Method 7 of 14: Turn on the arrow whenever you are converting or changing lanes
Step 1. The arrows are for you to alert other drivers about what you are going to do
Turn them on whenever you want to make a conversion or change lanes so that others can prepare. Also, try to be courteous and make room for drivers who use the arrow keys when they need to get in front of you.
Depending on the situation, not using arrows is considered a light or medium offense
Method 8 of 14: Increase speed when changing lanes
Step 1. Try to find a suitable space between two cars and don't slow down
Turn on the arrow and accelerate until you reach the mobile "slot". Keep an eye on the mirrors, make sure no one's coming, and get into the other lane.
Method 9 of 14: Make quick overtakes from the left
Step 1. Change lanes and accelerate to pass slower vehicles
Turn on the arrow, wait for the ideal opportunity and make the switch. Then accelerate some more, reverse the arrow, pass the slower car (now on your right) and return to the previous lane. Only use the left lanes for this type of maneuver.
Method 10 of 14: Pay attention to mirrors and their blind spots
Step 1. Open your eyes wide to things that might go unnoticed
Every driver has some blind spots when they are in the car. Make it a habit to look in both side mirrors and the rearview mirror whenever you're going to do something.
Method 11 of 14: Park if you need to get something from the car
Step 1. Do not try to pick up anything from the passenger or back seat while driving
The cell phone is not solely responsible for distracting drivers! If you need to mess with anything, park in a nearby space or pull over to the shoulder.
Method 12 of 14: Save your cell phone
Step 1. You need to resist the temptation to see your notifications
The cell phone is the main item that causes traffic distraction (although it is not the only one, as mentioned above). Even looking at his screen for a second is enough to cause accidents. Keep the device in your pocket, purse, backpack or anywhere else - and, if possible, put it in "Do Not Disturb" mode for a while.
Park or wait until you reach your destination before using your cell phone. It's probably not important at all
Method 13 of 14: Never drive after drinking
Step 1. Return home by Uber, taxi or ride after drinking
Driving while intoxicated is extremely dangerous. If you had some at the company's happy hour, ask for a ride or shuttle home.
You and your friends can create a "driver of the round" system when you go out. In this way, a specific person is in charge of not drinking and driving for others
Method 14 of 14: Maintain your car regularly
Step 1. Good preventive maintenance is the best way to avoid car headaches
Take a look at the pressure and condition of the tires, see if the engine has all the necessary fluids and if the battery is charged, etc. If necessary, read the driver's manual and clear all your doubts about the vehicle.
Tips
- If you get lost on the way to your destination, park and try to calculate your route using your phone's GPS.
- If someone else is in the car, have them handle the music and GPS while you focus on the track.