Car safety begins and ends with you. You can’t control any of the other drivers on the road with you. However, you can control how you react to them. Whether you’re speeding or driving recklessly, you’re going to put a lot of wear and tear on your car. You’ll need to see a mechanic a lot faster by the continuous use of the brakes than you would if you were driving safely. You’re also more likely to need auto repair because of an accident due to your reckless driving. Here are a few tips on how you can be more car aware and how to drive defensively.
1. ALWAYS CHECK LANES
One way that you can start using car safety is to check your lanes. While a lot of cars have lane assistance and lane detection systems, some still don’t. Even those that do have this sophisticated technology can sometimes be wrong. Checking the lanes yourself is a good practice to use.
Whether you’re changing lines, merging onto the highway, or just driving the highway, you should regularly check the lane. You may find someone speeding down the lane next to you and driving recklessly. In the event that they decide to swerve on you, you can react accordingly because you were aware that they were in the lane next to you.
This might save you from needing to stop by an auto repair shop for damage caused by sideswiping.
2. WAIT AT STOP SIGNS/LIGHTS
Another tip for driving defensively is to wait a few moments more at a stop sign or a stoplight. Sometimes you’ll find a driver who is attempting to speed through a yellow light that turns red right as they cross the road. If you had sped your car up the moment the light turned green, then there’s a chance that you could have hit one another.
You shouldn’t trust that people are going to stop when they’re supposed to. Instead, take the extra few moments to ensure everyone has stopped before driving forward.
Stop Sign/Light Defensive Driving
Here’s a breakdown of how you should treat a stoplight or stop sign.
- Stop at Light/Sign
- Wait for Light to Turn Green
- Once green, check for cars stopping or speeding up
- Check for pedestrians and bikes
- Cross once everyone has stopped
3. DEFENSIVELY TURNING
If you have to turn left, then you’re ripe for another visit to the mechanic. Whether you’re turning left, or someone is attempting to turn left on the other side of the road, you could have a problem. Not everyone waits for a left turn signal. You should always hesitate before turning left or driving forward if someone is turning left to ensure they don’t step on the gas to turn before anyone else.
Be Aware and Safe
Repairs can be expensive. Defensively driving and being car aware can help keep you and your car safe. Incorporate these tips to improve your driving and increase your safety.
