Driving Safely Tips

Driving is one of the most dangerous things you do, because so many variables are not in your control – the weather, the pavement, other drivers... Practice these driving safety tips and save a life: Always pay close attention to traffic and other drivers. Don't use your cell phone or text messaging, or key information into a GPS unit while you're driving. Keep your attention on the road, not on other passengers. Don't assume that you know what other drivers will do. Always keep an eye on “the other guy”, and leave yourself plenty of room to get out of harm's way, if you need to. If you're not sure about an intersection, yield. If the signal is out, that is treated as a four-way stop. But not everyone will stop. Be careful, be aware, and be ready to stop if you need to. Don't speed. Driving at higher than posted speed limits not only puts you, your passengers and other drivers in more danger, it also uses more gas. Don't drive under the influence. This should be one of the easiest driving safety tips to understand, but sometimes people ignore their state of drunken-ness when it's time to go home. Call a cab. Take a bus. Wear your seat belt. Thousand of lives could be saved every year if everyone wore their seat belts. There is often a safety-zone in a car where there is room to live, but if you're thrown from the vehicle, your chances of survival are greatly diminished. Protect yourself if you're a cyclist. Motorcyclists don't even have to wear helmets in some states anymore, but it's still a good idea to wear one. And drivers, watch out for cyclists. Don't ignore traffic signals. A yellow light doesn't mean hurry up, unless you're already in the intersection. Be prepared to stop at any intersection. Don't swerve, even slightly, or weave in and out of traffic. Keep your eyes on the road. Hold your temper in check. Road rage doesn't help anyone, and it endangers everyone. Take a deep breath if someone cuts you off. Make sure you follow at a safe distance and don't tail-gate, especially when the weather is bad. Always signal when changing lanes. Make sure to let other drivers know when you intend to change lanes or go off on an exit ramp. There are places to each side and slightly behind your car, where you can't see. Lean forward and re-check both mirrors before changing lanes. Don't back up anymore than you need to, in parking lots, etc. Your risk of accident increases when you back out of spaces you could drive forward out of. Always assume that someone will come from the street you're about to cross. Be safe and follow all posted speed limits. Driving safety tips help save lives.