Getting behind the wheel of a car, especially on an unfamiliar route, can be exciting. But, excitement shouldn’t overshadow safe driving. We all want to reach our destinations safely, and safe driving techniques help make that happen. Think of these techniques as your co-pilot, guiding you and ensuring your safety.
This isn’t just about memorizing rules. It’s about understanding how to create a safe environment every time you drive, especially when encountering the unexpected. So, whether you’re a new driver or just new to a particular route, these tips will be invaluable.
Staying Safe On Unfamiliar Roads
Driving on a new route brings a sense of uncertainty. Familiar roads allow our brains to go on autopilot, but unfamiliar roads require full attention. An unfamiliar road can have unexpected turns, higher traffic levels, and control devices that we are not used to as drivers.
Plan Your Route Before You Drive
Planning your route before driving is essential, especially when using GPS navigation on your smartphone. You should look up your address well before you get in the car and see how the route looks in maps and understand how much time you need to get to your destination.
Don’t just input the address; take a few minutes to look at the route. Familiarizing yourself with the journey ahead prevents surprises and last-minute lane changes. This preparation contributes to a smoother and safer driving experience.
Share Your Trip Details
Letting a family member or friend know about your driving plan seems like a small thing, but it can make a world of difference.
Share your destination, the route you are taking, and your estimated arrival time. If something unexpected happens, at least someone would know where to start looking for you. A family member might also be able to advise you on some nuances of the route before you get in the car.
Defensive Driving is Key to Safe Driving
When it comes to safe driving, being a defensive driver is crucial. You can’t control how other drivers behave on the road. Defensive driving equips you to react to unexpected situations by anticipating what others might do. Being aware of the road lets you react better; if you keep a safe distance, you can react to happenings on the road around you. You can also keep an eye out for people that don’t signal or might be driving too aggressively.
The Three-Second Rule and Other Safe Driving Distances
Safe driving is not always about speed. Even on a clear day, tailgating is dangerous. We’ve all been there – stuck behind a slow-moving car tempting us to inch closer so that we can pass. The “three-second rule” helps maintain a safe distance and mitigates the risk of driving.
Pick a stationary object, like a road sign. When the car in front passes it, count “one thousand one, one thousand two, one thousand three”. That’s how much space you need between your car and the one in front, according to the Florida Teen Safe Driver program. If you pass that chosen point before you finish counting, you’re too close.
Increase it to six or more seconds during bad weather or at night. Bad weather makes roads slick, increasing stopping distances. Adjusting your following distance for weather conditions is crucial for safe driving. This simple change in safe driving techniques is crucial in less-than-ideal weather.
Being Aware of Blind Spots
We’ve all had that heart-stopping moment when a car seems to appear out of nowhere. Most of the time, those “nowhere” spots are blind spots, areas around your car you can’t fully see in your mirrors.
Before changing lanes, turn your head to check. A quick glance could prevent a collision, especially on busy highways. It’s important to exercise extra caution in these situations. Always be mindful of your surroundings and potential hazards. This seemingly small adjustment significantly enhances your safe driving techniques, especially on a busy highway or when driving in challenging weather.
Staying Alert Requires Managing Distractions and Fatigue
It seems obvious, but our roads today show a different story – staying focused while driving is crucial.
Driving demands all of our attention, especially on a new route with unexpected situations. Anything that takes our eyes off the road or our minds off driving instantly becomes dangerous. Remember, obey posted speed limits and maintain a safe following distance to avoid accidents.
Distractions: Silence Those Phones and Curb Other Distractions
Driving is risky enough without adding distractions. There’s a reason states prohibit texting or talking on cell phones while driving.
In fact, The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that 8% of fatal crashes involved driver distractions in 2021. Even more concerning, 14% of all police-reported car accidents involved a distracted driver. These distractions led to 362,415 people injured – with 3,522 lives tragically lost.
If your journey allows, silence the notifications, put on those driving playlists, and focus on safe driving techniques. Avoid driving impaired, as it significantly increases the risk of accidents.
Don’t get me wrong. It’s tempting to multi-task: finish a work email, scroll through music, or maybe even take a quick bite.
However, doing these compromises your focus. Make it a habit – when you drive, you drive – period. Pull over for anything else.
Drowsy Driving: Take Breaks On Long Trips
Long drives – the open road, a good playlist – it’s easy to lose track of time. Fatigue behind the wheel is a recipe for disaster, whether driving in rush hour traffic or on a late-night drive.
When we drive for long periods, especially at night, our bodies start to rebel. This isn’t just about pulling over when your eyelids feel heavy. Always have a designated driver if you plan on drinking alcohol.
Through experience, I’ve learned it’s crucial to take a proactive approach. Stop every couple of hours to stretch, get fresh air, and stay hydrated. According to Car Care Hunt, taking a break every two hours or every 200 km on long-distance journeys is essential for safety.
It’s also helpful to travel during daylight hours to prevent those late-night fatigue zones, making safe driving techniques easier to practice. Remember to heed signs and be extra careful, especially in unfamiliar areas.
Adjusting To Changing Weather Conditions
Remember to adjust to the driving conditions, especially the weather. If it’s raining or visibility is significantly hampered, take the time to slow down. Having safe tire tread on your car will help you slow down better if the road is wet and will help you maintain control.
Vehicle Maintenance And Safe Driving Go Hand In Hand
Taking care of your car isn’t just about a smooth ride. It’s about guaranteeing your safety and the safety of those around you.
Think of it like taking care of your health – regular checkups are a given. Similarly, your car needs regular attention, beyond just topping up your gas. Maintaining your vehicle ensures it operates safely and reduces the risk of breakdowns.
Regular Vehicle Checkups
Regular vehicle check-ups might sound tedious, but they provide peace of mind. Having a mechanic regularly check fluid levels and brakes is essential, especially with frequent stop-and-go driving in city traffic.
Understanding Tire Safety
Driving on well-maintained tires is another crucial driving safety technique. You don’t have to be a car expert. Properly inflated tires are vital for traction and braking.
Invest in a good pressure gauge and refer to your car’s manual for recommended pressure levels. Keeping tires inflated to the optimal level, especially before long drives, ensures a smooth and safe journey. It also promotes even wear, which increases tire lifespan.
Work With Scholle Law, an Atlanta Car Accident Lawyer
Driving on unfamiliar routes takes a significant amount of concentration and planning. When you are 100% safe, accidents can still happen. If you are injured on an unfamiliar route in an accident, you should consider working with Scholle Law on your case.