Defensive driving is what saves lives. Being defensive behind the wheel of your vehicle allows you to avoid accidents, make sure you’re not taken off-guard, and it can help you save lives. The road is filled with distracted drivers. People on their cell phones. People who aren’t paying attention to the rod because they are too busy eating, doing their makeup, or carrying on unnecessary phone conversations. The road is a dangerous place because you can’t predict how others are driving. The best you can do is drive defensively and take care of yourself on the road.
Don’t Drive Distracted
If you can’t stop looking at your phone for text messages and social media notifications, put it where you can’t reach it. Stick it in the passenger door cupholder so you can reach it if there is an emergency, but you cannot reach it if you’re just driving down the road. If you must take a call or respond to a message or email, pull over in a safe location and do it while you’re parked.
Don’t Drive if You’re Not Alert
Don’t drive if you’ve been drinking, if you’re tired, or if you’re under the influence of any type of medication. The worst thing you can do is take it upon yourself to drive while you’re under the influence of anything and not alert. Stay out of the car, call a cab, download a ride-share app, or just call a friend to take you where you need to go if you’re worried about your level of alertness.
Don’t Ignore Other Drivers
It’s easy to focus on the road and forget to focus on anything else, but being a defensive driver means being able to focus on what other people are doing as well as what you are doing. Keep your eyes on the cars near you. Behind you, in front of you, and next to you, cars are doing whatever they’re doing. If they don’t see you, it’s up to you to see them before they cause an accident and put your life at risk.
Don’t Ignore Your Surroundings
Another way to be a defensive driver is to be aware of your surroundings. Are you in a school zone? Are you in a dangerous area of town with a lot of damaged roads and blind drives? Is there a lot of pedestrian traffic where you are located? You should be aware of your surroundings anytime you are in the car. It’s the best way to stay safe, to focus on what’s important, and it is the best way to ensure you are getting what you need out of your situation.
Your own skills behind the wheel might be all it takes to keep you safe in the car. You cannot count on others to do the right thing. You can only count on yourself to pay attention, to drive defensively, and to focus on what’s important on the road. Your job is to make good choices, and you can keep yourself safe on the highway. If you are injured in an accident caused by someone else and their own negligence, contact mtlawms.com to speak with an attorney and obtain legal representation.