In previous postings, we have discovered some safety tips that we should practice daily, but sometimes we take it for granted as we drive to run errands daily with our baby or toddler in the back seat. No matter what we do, we should always practice defensive driving at all times. Here are some tips that many drivers may not know about defensive driving.
- Readjusting your sideview mirrors: From the editor’s experience, sideview mirrors are critical part of driving. Even though there are blind spot detection systems in newer vehicles installed as standard equipment, relying on line of sight is still one of the most basic rules of driving. Blind spot detection systems may warn you that a vehicle may be very close to your vehicle, but it may not work if the incoming vehicle is far away but rapidly closing in towards your blind spot. Always try to adjust the angles of the sideview mirrors as far away from the vehicle as possible so there is a greater viewing angle for both sides.
- Driving during a blowout tire: While we may naturally push the brake pedal in order to gain control while we experience a blowout tire incident, it may not be as safe as you think. Pushing the brake pedal too quickly and too hard during a blowout may cause the vehicle to fishtail. At that point the driver may lose control and turn a salvageable incident into a bigger accident. With this in mind, when a driver experiences a blowout, he/she should keep the vehicle in the same lane, slowly let off the acceleration pedal, look both ways before heading towards the slow lanes in order to pull over.
- Driving in extreme weather such as snow or heavy rain: It is never fun to drive in extreme weather conditions, but if it is needed, then going slow is the name of the game. Always, allow double the time to travel from the point of origin to the destination and never try to take over vehicles if the are too slow. In situations where a vehicle may spin out of control, do not try to turn the steering wheel in the opposite direction of your spin. If the vehicle is spinning clockwise, turn with the vehicle as this may be better to stop the vehicle in the end. Always try to pump or tap the brake pedal instead of pushing it all the way. This may cause the vehicle to lose control even more if the brake pedal is pushed too hard and too fast.
- Distraction: As previous posting had already covered this topic, the driver should never be distracted at all times. Keeping your eyes on the road is key to defensive driving. Taking your eyes off the road for just one second may lead to horrific accidents. It may be hard to be focused when you have a little one in the backseat, but remember, you are in control.
- Road Rage: It is everywhere. Sometimes trying to stay calm when being tailgated is tough, but remembering that you are in control of other people’s lives should precede over anything else. Back away or move to the slower lane to let danger pass you by is the best thing to do. Never gamble or continue to taunt dangerous drivers as you may end up losing more than expected.
- Keep up with vehicle’s routine maintenance: Skipping out or delaying scheduled routine maintenance may be hazardous to the integrity of the vehicle, especially if your vehicle may be older than other newer vehicles. It may seem to the consumer that routine maintenance is costly, but it may end up costing more if your vehicle is not maintained properly if it could have been prevented.
We may trust ourselves to be a safe driver, but never trust others who you may not know. Taking the safe approach is always the better way than risking your life and others in order to save a few minutes by driving fast or recklessly. Respecting life of yourself and others may be the better choice. After all, losing a life due to reckless driving may cause more than a few paychecks.
