5 Defensive Driving Tips
While it is impossible to eliminate all risks on the road, motorists in North Carolina who drive defensively could potentially avoid severe or fatal injury accidents. But what, exactly, is defensive driving?
This article provides five top tips for driving defensively. By incorporating these strategies into your driving habits, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of a severe car crash.
5 Steps You Can Take to Drive Defensively
Stay Alert and Focused
Driving is physically and mentally demanding. You should always remain alert and focused whenever you are behind the wheel. Never drive if you are tired or under the influence of alcohol or drugs. When driving, don’t allow your mind to wander, eat or drink, fiddle with dashboard controls, or let passengers distract you. Keep your concentration focused on the traffic around you and the task of driving safely.
Put Down Your Phone
Among the many distractions in the car, your cell phone might be the most dangerous. It can take five seconds to send or read a text message, but in those few seconds, a car driving at 55 mph can travel the distance of an entire football field. Place your phone out of reach, so you aren’t tempted to look at it. If you find the temptation to look at your phone too strong, smartphone apps and controls can automatically disable alerts and distracting features.
Scan Your Surroundings
Part of keeping your eyes on the road means scanning your surroundings for potential hazards. Check your rearview mirrors regularly. Slow down and look both ways when approaching an intersection, even when you have the right-of-way.
Slow Down
According to the National Traffic Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA), speed contributes to 29 percent of traffic fatalities. Speed limits are calculated and implemented to maintain traffic flow and keep all motorists safe. Always drive at or below the speed limit. Be prepared to reduce your speed if the conditions require, such as in inclement weather or construction zones.
Maintain a Safe Distance
Always maintain a safe distance between your vehicle and other vehicles on the road. In its defensive driving course, the National Safety Council recommends keeping a three-second following distance between your car and the car in front of you. To measure this, identify a marker ahead of you, such as a road sign or a tree, and ensure the vehicle in front of you passes it three seconds before you do.
Contact Our Experienced Greensboro Car Accident Lawyers Today
While these five defensive driving tips can reduce your risk of getting into an accident, you cannot always account for the behavior of others on the road. Even the safest driver is at risk of being injured if others do not drive responsibly.
If a negligent driver hits you and injures you, the Greensboro accident attorneys at Ward Black Law will be ready to fight for the fair compensation you’re owed. Contact us now to speak with a knowledgeable member of our team during a free legal consultation.