Thursday, April 21, 2011

Good Driving Habits While On The Road

By Adriana Noton


In order to have good driving habits, there are a few things that you must learn. You have to be mindful of other road users. Having a roadworthy vehicle is also a good habit. Therefore, you have to take care of your vehicle mechanically.

A good driver is always safety conscious. Before you start driving, ensure that you have fastened the safety belt. Some people might forget to do this so if you have any passengers, ensure that they have also done so. If you have children on board, you need to take extra care when on the road. This is because children demand a lot of attention which can be very distracting. Make sure that the children have been securely fastened with the appropriate seat belts. Make use of the child lock on your car for extra safety.

The mirrors on the cars help you to be aware of your surrounding at all times. So make sure you adjust all the mirrors of the car to allow you to have a clear view of everything. If you can see a portion of the door handle on the bottom corner of your side mirror, then you have probably positioned the mirror well. If you decide to drive a vehicle that is unfamiliar to you, take a moment to look around before you drive.

Always stick to the recommended speed. Over speeding almost always leads to accidents. When you are going too fast, it is very hard to brake in time in case of an emergency. When the road you are using is prone to skidding, reduce your speed. Regulate your speed according to the inflation and tread of your tires. Your speed is also subject to the visibility at the time of driving. It is dangerous to drive fast in misty or foggy and dusty weather. Your visibility is also impaired at dusk and very early in the morning.

As a driver, it is important to be alert as you drive. This means that you should not drive under the influence of alcohol as this inhibits your motor skills. Being attentive helps you to respond fast when faced with an unforeseen circumstance. Narcotics are known to give a false sense of being in control and therefore should be avoided at all costs. If you are on any prescription drugs, read the side effects before you operate a vehicle. Some are known to cause drowsiness. Sleeplessness can cause lack of attention.

It is advisable to drive only when in the right state of mind. When your emotions are on a high due to anger or anxiety you are likely to have errors of judgment. Calm yourself down first before you get behind the wheel.

When on the road, keep a safe distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you. It should be a distance that you can cover in about four to five seconds at the speed you are driving. This will prevent rear end collisions.

When you decide to pass another automobile, make sure you check the rear view mirror to ascertain that it is clear for you to pass. Avoid doing this at an upgrade since it might take a long time to pass. Do not pass at a blind spot; always make sure the road ahead is completely visible.

Finally, make sure that your vehicle is in good condition. If the check engine light is on, make a date with the mechanic. Fill up on gas before it runs out. Keep your feet off the clutch; this will prevent the clutch from wearing out. Be a defensive driver and anticipate the moves of other drivers. You will make the road safer for others and you pay less auto insurance so it's a win-win situation.




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