While we all learn how to be safe drivers prior to taking our driving tests, over time, it can be easy to slip into bad habits and not pay as much attention to the road as we should when driving.
Of course, safety is paramount when driving a car or another vehicle, so here are five important ways in which you can become a safer driver.
What if You Are Involved in a Car Accident Caused by a Reckless or Dangerous Driver?
When you first learn to drive, you should make yourself aware of the most common car problems. You should also be aware of how to drive safely.
However, even when you drive as safely as possible, there is always the chance that you could be involved in an accident due to a reckless or otherwise dangerous driver.
So, before looking at how to become a safer driver, let us first address what you should do if you are involved in a car accident that is not your fault.
After checking yourself and your passengers for injuries, moving your vehicle to the side of the road if you can, and calling the police, you should swap details with the other driver involved in the accident.
You should then see a doctor, even if you have no visible injuries, to ensure that you are not hurt. Then, get in touch with your insurance company.
Finally, get an experienced attorney to help you explore your legal options. If you are injured in a car accident that is not your fault, you could receive compensation to cover things like medical expenses and lost earnings.
However, if you remember the following five ways of driving safely, you can reduce your chances of being involved in a road accident.
1. Wear Your Seatbelt Correctly
Always make sure that you and your passengers are wearing seatbelts before you start driving. Just as important is ensuring the seatbelts are positioned correctly. Both the lap and shoulder belts should be snug, and the lap part of the belt should be on your hips.
2. Place Your Hands on the Steering Wheel Correctly
Even though everyone is taught how to grip a steering wheel correctly during their driving lessons, far too many drivers place their hands onto steering wheels in an incorrect way.
Your hands should be in a parallel position on the steering wheel, in the “nine” and “three” positions, indicating the hands on a clock. You also need to keep a good grip on the wheel.
3. Increase Your Distance
To reduce the risk of accidents occurring and become a safer driver, leave a little extra space between your car and others.
Remember the three-second rule. Choose a stationary object alongside the road up ahead and then note when the back of the car that is in front of you passes that object. The front of your car should arrive at that object at least three seconds later.
4. Look as Far Ahead as You Can
In a similar vein to the last point, to become a safer driver, focus your eyes past the first few cars that are in front of you. By doing so, you can always be prepared for what lies ahead.
5. Pay Attention to the Flow of Traffic
Paying more attention to everything when driving is the simplest way of becoming a safer driver. One thing you should pay attention to is the flow of traffic.
Just because a sign says you have the right of way, it does not necessarily mean that other vehicles are following the correct rules.
So, focus on the flow of traffic and what other drivers are doing to stay safe and reduce the risk of an accident occurring. Also, make sure you have the right car insurance, just in case you are involved in an accident.