Driving a car is a skill that requires concentration. Even if you haven’t been driving in years, it’s a good idea to brush up on your skills before taking the wheel again.
Self-driving cars are a major goal of many companies, including Google and Waymo. Eventually, these vehicles will change the way we travel and make life easier.
Safety First
When it comes to driving your car, you need to take safety first. You can’t let your ego take control of the wheel and make decisions that aren’t safe for you or others.
Whether you’re taking a drive across town, or a long holiday trip to visit family and friends, you want to make sure that you can reach your destination safely. This is especially true if you’re driving without an arranged shuttle service to get you to your destination.
One of the main reasons that drivers get in accidents is because they’re not paying attention to their surroundings or their fellow motorists on the road. If you’re looking for ways to stay safe while driving, consider these 20 tips:
1. Be alert and aware of your surroundings
A good way to be alert and aware while you’re on the road is to check your mirrors frequently and scan conditions at least 20 seconds ahead of you. This will allow you to quickly react if a dangerous situation arises that may require you to stop or slow down.
2. Follow the 3-Second Rule
The three-second rule is a rule that recommends staying a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you, so that you have enough time to slow down or stop if it’s necessary. This will give you more time to react to a collision, which could help save your life or that of the other driver.
3. Avoid tailgating
Tailgating is a common cause of traffic accidents and should be avoided at all costs. If you notice that a vehicle is tailgating, add twice as much space between your car and the car in front of it. Then slowly and carefully decrease your speed to the same level as the rest of the traffic around you.
Follow the Three-Second Rule
The 3-second rule is a simple guideline that can help you keep your distance from other vehicles on the road. This will decrease your chances of rear-ending someone and will give you enough time to react if the vehicle in front brakes suddenly.
This rule is easy to follow and works in most situations. Simply pick an object that is by the side of the road, such as a tree or a road sign, and note how long it takes you to pass that marker with your car. If it takes you less than three seconds, you are too close to the leading vehicle and need to increase your following distance.
Many drivers have a tendency to follow the vehicles in front too closely, which can lead to avoidable accidents and rear-end collisions. This is known as tailgating and can be dangerous for both drivers.
The three-second rule is not recommended at all times, but it is a helpful guideline to follow when possible. It is especially helpful in high-speed scenarios such as highways or open stretches of country roads.
However, this rule may not be enough if the weather is deteriorating or visibility is low. This could include heavy rain, snow or ice.
Counting the seconds can be difficult at first, but practice will make it easier. You can even use a clock, watch or mobile phone to remember the timing.
The 3-second rule is one of the most effective ways to decrease your risk of rear-ending another driver and causing an accident. It’s also important to remember that liability for rear-end collisions typically falls to the driver in the rear who slams into the back of the vehicle ahead of them.
Keep a Safe Distance
When you’re driving, it’s important to give the cars in front of you enough space. This will help prevent fender-benders and collisions that could lead to serious injuries. It also gives you a route of escape if you need to stop suddenly.
Drivers can learn to judge their following distance by picking a reference marker, such as a light pole or telephone pole. Start counting when the vehicle behind you passes that mark or object. If the rear of the vehicle in front of you passes it before you reach two seconds, you’re following too closely.
Ideally, drivers should keep a three-second following distance under normal road conditions. But in bad weather or when you’re following a larger vehicle, such as a semi-truck or motorcycle, you should increase that distance by another second.
A safe following distance allows you to react to situations quickly and safely. It will also ensure that other vehicles can see you and respond appropriately if something goes wrong.
It’s a good idea to practice these rules when you’re driving in traffic, but it’s not always easy to do. Especially when other drivers tailgate you, which can cut you off and close the gap.
This can be frustrating, but it’s a good idea to take the situation in stride. Eventually they’ll catch up and realize that they need to leave more space between them and you!
You can use this distance as a guide to determine when you need to increase your following distance. But don’t assume that other drivers will follow your rules. They may not be as good defensive drivers as you are. They could be distracted or a little aggressive, which can make it harder to maintain that distance.
Don’t Flag Other Drivers
Having a good time is an important part of the driver’s experience, but so is staying safe. As such, flagging is not to be taken lightly and a little prudence goes a long way. This is especially true when it comes to navigating the roadways on the other side of the tracks. For instance, flagging in reverse may be the worst thing you can do for a driver who’s trying to avoid getting stuck in a ditch or on the side of a hill. This is why a solid plan of action is crucial to keep everyone safe and sound on and off the road.
The aforementioned best practice is to utilise a flagging device that incorporates the latest in safety and telematics technologies. This will allow you to communicate and interact with drivers on the other side of the road in a safer manner than would be possible with a single flagger in the backseat. It also means you can track the performance of your fleet, which will help you ensure a smooth ride for all.