We have all been through driving school, passed the driving test, practiced diligently, and purchased car insurance to protect us, but what else are you doing to keep you and your passengers safe in your car? With so many distractions and so many simple solutions, why not put some into practice.
- Distractions cause accidents; there is just no way around it. We all have been next to or behind the person talking on their phone, texting or putting on make-up who is swerving all over the road. Don’t be that person, don’t get distracted.
- Before getting in the car make sure you are ready to go. Have your make-up on, tie tied, teeth brushed and hair combed. Make sure you have a few tools with you to not distract you as well. Have a wireless head set in the car. Have a travel mug so not to spill as you go. And before pulling out of your parking spot set your radio, put in your CD or plug in your MP3 player. Trying to set this up while driving can be a serious hazard.
- Make sure you have your eyes checked regularly. Drivers who have difficulty seeing or suffer from headaches because of eye strain are more likely to get in accidents. If it is recommended by your eye doctor to wear glasses for distance, wear your glasses every time you drive.
- A lot of drivers fall victim to road rage. This is a psychological issue connected to what the driver is dealing with in their personal life. How do you avoid it? If you are the driver, take a few deep breaths and play soothing music. If you witness this from someone else, let him or her pass you by. Engaging with someone by blocking them in, swerving in their way or engaging in hand gestures doesn’t make the situation better.
Our dependence on cars as a society has forced us to have to deal with people from different walks of life and situations on a daily bases. Endangering lives because of carelessness and foolishness is unnecessary, expensive and dangerous.