Driving a car comes with inherent hazards, and you should always attempt to drive as safely as possible. Here are some common driving habits that could be putting you at risk.
Driving While Tired
You probably already know that you should never operate a vehicle while under alcohol or drugs, but what about when you're tired? Lots of morning commuters are running short on sleep, and this can actually have an effect on driving performance. Even the briefest lapse in attention can put you at risk of getting into an accident. You should make sure to get enough sleep before driving and don't be afraid to pull over if you're having trouble concentrating on the road.
Speeding
You might be in a rush to get to work in the morning — or to get home in the evening. But it's worth slowing down to keep yourself and others safe on the road. Speeding consists of almost 30 percent of traffic fatalities,
according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Sticking to the speed limit will also help you to save money by getting better gas mileage and avoiding costly speeding tickets. If you're being tailgated by someone else who wants to exceed the speed limit, consider pulling over to let them pass you.
Cell Phone Usage
Texting and driving is a major problem, as it requires you to look at your cell phone's screen, taking your eye off the road and limiting your ability to react to driving conditions. Passing stricter laws across the country attempt to combat this problem. However, even placing a call on your cell phone is a risk, because you have to look at the screen and dial.
Hands-free devices are also imperfect, as a telephone conversation is distracting even when you have both hands on the wheel. While mobile technology has plenty of useful features, like navigation software, it's best to leave your phone in the hands of a passenger or to pull over when you need to consult the screen.
Using Your Seat Belt
This is a real no-brainer — the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that seat belts
can save almost 15,000 lives per year. But there are still millions of Americans who don't use them, whether they're going for a quick jaunt to the local store or a long-haul trip on the highway. This is one of the simplest things you can do to stay safe on the road; it requires virtually no effort and quickly becomes ingrained as a good driving habit.
Understand the Right of way
You've come to a four-way intersection, and there's another car that arrived at about the same time as you. Do you know which car has the right to go first? Brush up on the rules for these situations, and always be careful and ensure that your roadway is clear before proceeding.
Most of us drive on a daily basis and tend to forget about the little habits that make up our everyday driving routines. Being mindful of your actions and avoiding bad habits will help you to stay safe.
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