This article is brought you by ClickAutos, a leading online car portal that provides everyday Australians the best cars for sale, directly from our hand-picked dealerships with finance included.
While driving provides us with incredible freedom, convenience and enjoyment — it comes with responsibility and drivers should not forget about the risks on the road. When drivers are negligent, not only do they put themselves in danger they put other people in danger and can cause accidents and claim lives. ClickAutos has compiled a list of top habits that lead to safer that lead to safer driving and avoid major accidents. By practicing these sage habits, one can be a more sensible driver, and make the roads safer for all.
1. Follow the speed limits and be aware of your surroundings
Speeding is one of the main causes of road accidents. Speeding has been a constant contributor in car crashes and resulting fatalities for decades. This is because speeding increases the chances of losing control of the vehicle.
If you want to start good habits as a safe driver, a good starting point is to respect posted speed limits. Be aware of the posted speed limits and make sure you do not exceed it. The speed limit is the maximum limit, not a recommended speed. Adjust your speed based on the time of the day, the flow of traffic, as well as weather and surface conditions.
In addition to not speeding, take your time and pay attention to your surroundings. That will help you avoid situations where you need to make sudden stops. If you are approaching a school zone or residential area, slow down and be aware of the speed limits and exercise caution.
2. Don’t be distracted on the road
There are countless accidents and tragedies that unfortunately occur due to distractions while driving so don’t be distracted on the road and pay attention to your surroundings. This will help you avoid situations where you need to make sudden stops.
According to research, drivers who use their mobile phone are four times more likely to be involved in an accident. Not only is it dangerous to use your mobile phone while driving it’s illegal and you’ll cop a big fine if caught on camera or by the police.
There are also other sources of distraction that might make you take your eyes off the road. These include with radio, eating while driving, applying makeup, watching videos, or trying to read something while driving.
Anything that takes your attention away from the road can be disastrous. Even a moment’s distraction while driving can hinder your ability to react to whatever is happening on the road around you, and it only takes a split second for the worst to happen. To be safe on the road, keep your attention on the road.
3. Always wear a seatbelt
It goes without saying, seatbelts save lives. Wearing a seatbelt can significantly reduce or prevent injuries in accidents. A seat belt, when properly worn, keeps you safe and secure inside the vehicle in case of a car accident.
Being thrown out of the vehicle during a car crash has proved to be much more fatal for those involved in an accident. Remember, air bags were designed to work with seatbelts, not replace them. If you are not buckled up, an opening airbag may also result in serious injuries.
4. Drive, Revive and Survive
Avoid driving when you’re very tired, as the popular saying goes: drive, revive and survive! A lot of accidents occur each year because of driver fatigue, tiredness and drowsiness. Driving when one is tired or sleepy produces effects similar to drunk driving — slower reaction time, decreased awareness and impaired decision-making. Falling asleep behind the wheel will cause devasting results!
Get well rested and make sure you have a good night’s sleep and feel alert before driving. When going on long journeys, try to plan your driving in the middle of the day when you’re least tired and share the driving with family or friends.
5. Avoid road rage
When it comes to driving, responsibility and patience play huge roles. Heavy traffic, erratic drivers, a scramble for parking space, or even waiting for passengers can be very trying for a driver’s patience. However, a quick temper can put you and others in danger when you are behind the wheel. Remember, dangerous driving is no way to vent your anger or frustration. When on the road, emotions should be kept in check.
Don’t take actions of other drivers personally. Reactions resulting from anger often lead to misjudgement and irreversible damage. Stick to safe driving practices in all situations to avoid confrontations. Drive safe, don’t be tempted to reach emotionally and become a responsible motorist on the road.
6. Use your turn signals
This may seem like common sense, but you’d be surprised how many people fail to use their blinker. Turn signal neglect causes many accidents a year. Signalling your intention to turn, change lanes, or pull over is important to let the other drivers around you know how to react safely. Using your blinkers is good practice to keep you and others around you safe and aware.
7. Check for blind spots
Last but not least, get in the habit of checking for blind spots. Turn signal neglect causes many accidents a year. Signalling your intention to turn, change lanes, or pull over is important to let the other drivers around you know how to react safely.
After checking your rear-view and side mirrors, it is important to also check for blind spots. This involves turning your head to make sure no cars or pedestrians are approaching. Checking for blind spots is especially crucial before changing lanes.
Be on the lookout for small cars, motorcycles and cyclists, which tend to switch lanes a lot and may be hard to detect. Make sure that once you check for blind spots and prepare to switch lanes, you use your turn signals to indicate your intention.
We hope that this article helps you become a safer driver on the road. On behalf of the ClickAutos team we wish you all the best in finding your next dream car for sale in Australia and remember to drive carefully at all times.
