Important Safe Driving Tips Every Driver Should Know

Driving is an essential part of our everyday lives. Whether it’s our commute to work or an extended road trip, driving is the main way most of us get where we need to go. We’re fairly dependent on driving, so it’s crucial that every driver knows how to keep themselves, their passengers, other drivers, and nearby pedestrians safe. These safe driving tips are important to keep in mind as you shift into gear and take to the road.

Keep Yourself Focused on Driving

According to Mock Theory Test, many drivers don’t realize that "if [they] only look forward when driving, [they're] unaware of more than 60 percent of what's happening around [them]." There’s a lot to keep track of as you drive, and preventing distractions is key to avoiding dangerous situations. As hard as it may be, you need to make sure that you aren’t on your phone, eating, or doing anything else that splits your focus. To ensure that you’re aware at all times, you should put away anything that could distract you. This way, you can keep an eye out for important traffic signs or other cars merging into your lane.

Following all signs, signals, and drivers requires your full attention, no matter how much experience you have. You should be sure that you can see the entire area around your vehicle from where you sit. If you’re worried about your ability to see the road in its entirety, investing in a wide angle mirror lens can help eliminate blind spots and make you a more focused driver.

Drive Defensively

It’s important to think of your safety as you drive, even if you’re used to getting out of tight spots. Driving defensively requires that you remain aware of what other drivers are doing so that you can be ready to react quickly when the situation arises. It’s recommended that you keep enough distance between cars so you can stop with little notice. You should also maintain an even larger gap when driving in bad weather.

Create Good Driving Habits

Certain driving practices can help keep you safer while also making your trips more efficient. For example, if you put your seatbelt on and adjust your mirrors before you shift the vehicle into gear, you won’t need to do either as you drive. In addition, if you plan out the trip before you leave, you can keep your focus on driving rather than navigating.

Take Care of Yourself

Above all else, you should make sure you’re in the physical condition to drive. Driving under the influence, or even while tired, hinders your ability to respond as quickly as you need to and stay focused on your surroundings. It’s also important to know whether you’re easily distracted by passengers. If you find that passengers in your vehicle tend to take your attention away from the road, you may need to take fewer passengers to remain focused.