Not everyone on the road is a good driver. But you could try to be if you drive defensively, you’re alert and ready for whatever comes your way. Being cautious without being timid and not putting your fate in the hands of other drivers will make you a better driver. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, 90% of all crashes are attributed to driver error. Most errors could be avoided if the driver is paying attention so they have better reaction time.
Avoiding aggressive and inattentive driving tendencies will certainly put you in a stronger position to deal with other people’s bad driving. Be sure to leave plenty of space between you and the car in front of you. Always lock your doors and wear your seat belt.
Be aware of your surroundings. If you pay attention to what’s going on immediately around the car at all times, you will know where you have an “out.” Checking your mirrors frequently and scanning the road ahead of you is imperative. If another driver is showing signs of aggressive driving, it would be better to slow down or pull over and let them go on ahead, rather than trying to get past him. That’s a great way for you to get a speeding ticket, trying to get as far away from that bad driver so you don’t get ensnared in their web…only to get ensnared into the police officer’s web. And don’t depend on other drivers to make the best decisions. Be considerate of other drivers, but always look out for yourself. Don’t assume that another driver is going to move out of the way or allow you to merge and certainly don’t assume that they won’t run through red lights or stop signs. Always look both ways before preceding through a green light. Always count three seconds before taking a right on red or before leaving a stop sign. Always anticipate the worst-case scenario. Keep a safe following distance between you and the car ahead of you by following the 3-second rule. And, for Pete’s sake, try not to speed. That one item right there will save both your life and your life’s savings.
Until next week…
Daun Thompson