If every driver observed safe driving habits, there would be few cases of road accidents. For many experienced drivers, driving is a habitual activity that they do without much conscious thought. Never overestimate your driving skills that you forget to observe little things happening around you. Since there are always rogue drivers that make the roads a potentially dangerous minefield for other road users, you should always be vigilant when driving. If you are reading this article, it means that you want to adopt safe driving habits to continue making the road a safe place for everyone. Here are safe driving habits every driver should adopt to avoid Dangerous Driving Inverness.
Stay alert
You should always stay alert when driving. Focus is everything. Avoid anything that could be a distraction when driving, such as using your cellphone, eating, texting, shifting your hands around the stereo controls, or even engaging in excessive talk with your passengers. If your mind is wandering around your big presentation that awaits you at work, it means your mind is distracted. Always focus on the road and hands on the wheel.
Respect speed limits
The most basic way to be a good driver is to respect speed limits while driving. Know the posted speed limits and do not exceed them as you would risk a traffic offense or an accident. Again, do not drive too slow that you confuse other road users. Adjust your speed limits accordingly depending on the traffic flow, different road zones, weather, traffic rules, and road surface. Exercise extra caution when approaching a school or residential area.
Routine maintenance is a must.
Never neglect routine maintenance of your car. That is one way of being a good driver, avoiding costly car repairs, and prolonging your vehicle’s life. Routine maintenance means inspecting every aspect of your car, including the engine oil, brakes and power steering fluid, transmission oil, coolant, etc. Keeping your motor parts at the right fluid level helps with fuel efficiency, and you avoid costly damages. Also, check the tires’ pressure and treads regularly as underinflated tires can cause serious road accidents. Routine maintenance pays off on the road.
Check for blind spots well.
You should adopt a habit of always checking blind spots. When you check your rearview and side mirror, always check for blindspots also. That involves slightly turning your head to ensure no small vehicle or pedestrian is approaching. This is especially important as you change lanes. Small cars and motorcycles tend to change lanes a lot, and it may not be easy to detect them. When you are ready to shift lanes, turn on the signals to indicate your intention. Checking for blindspots is the best way to avoid an unprecedented car collision.
Avoid road rage
Road rage is becoming a serious concern, especially on busy city roads. You never know who the other driver is and what they can do so, drive safely. If some driver cuts you off or does anything to annoy you, ignore them. Never retaliate because that could result in a severe problem.
The takeaway
Always be kind while driving and practice safe driving habits. It never hurts to be a friendly driver, and you should avoid all the poor driving habits. The most critical thing is to develop consistent safe driving practices.