Every driver must know that they are putting their lives at risk every day by getting behind the wheel. Yes, you may have total control of your vehicle, but you can't ultimately rely on other drivers on the road practicing safe driving. There are aggressive and reckless drivers, sluggish drivers, inattentive drivers, etc. To ensure your safety is maximized, you should do your part and practice defensive driving! Here are some tips on how:
Plan Ahead of Time
Defensive driving can happen before you even start your car. A good habit to get into is checking weather conditions and traffic conditions before you leave the house. That way, you can manage expectations during your drive.
Check Blind Spots and Use Signals
This step is a driver's ed classic. When you want to change lanes or merge into traffic, you should always do your best to turn your head to check your blind spot. Even though modern cars have lane detection systems, you should still manually check because technology is susceptible to failure. Another critical tip is to turn on your signal so that others can understand your intentions.
Wait Longer at Stop Signs and Lights
Waiting a couple of extra seconds at a stoplight or stop sign can do you no harm. Occasionally, you may notice a rogue driver speeding through an intersection, so doing this will ensure you don't get into an accident.
Brake Early
It is always better to ease into a stop rather than slamming on the brakes last minute. When you need to stop, please ensure there is enough space between you and the car in front of you. If it's raining or snowing, please remember to stop earlier as wet weather conditions require a longer stopping distance.
Avoid Distractions
The best way to avoid road mishaps is to allocate all your attention to your path and minimize any distractions. Some of the most common distractions include your smartphone, music, and food/drinks.
At Integrity Transmission & Auto Repair, we are always looking out for your safety. If you require any auto maintenance or repairs, please give us a call at (714) 361-0993 or visit our shop today.