You do not want to know the exact number of road accidents that cause deaths. It means a family losing its member, someone losing their best friend or loved one.
Even if it might not be your fault but the opposite party’s, we cannot let these actions take control of our lives. Nobody wishes to relive the trauma each day for one incident.
You see, we would always adhere to the safety precautions as teens because our license was on the line! However, did you know that we tend to get too comfortable behind the wheels as we grow older?
Does that mean we should continue driving like we know it all? No, so let me remind you of those safety messages for drivers – for you to prevent impending accidents.
20 Crucial Safety Messages for Drivers
Do not duel on it; simply take the precautions. Have your car insured and drive according to the law. Sure, you cannot tell other motorists how to drive, but you can certainly control yours.
1. No Distraction
Did you just get a call, a text, or the phone beeped? Do not even think about checking who it is from. That is the first rule of driving. Train your mind to focus only on the road.
Sometimes the distraction can come in the form of an argument with your partner, a child in the back, or even turning up the air conditioner. The one thing you can tell others and yourself is – it can wait.
2. Follow the Speed Limit
Are you angry, emotional, or thrilled with buzzing feelings? Good, but do not let these be the reason to speed up on the road?
Half the accidents caused by the drivers are due to speeding. When your impulses tell you to go faster, you do it without realizing how to slow down. And that is when accidents occur. Do not give in to such whims to regret later.
Always drive according to the speed limit, not too slow either – it is another way of calling upon danger.
3. How Safe is Your Vehicle
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This should be your number one priority as you decide to purchase the vehicle. Check the airbag positions and how well the seats are designed/constructed.
Remember to invest in the proper seats for the children according to their age. It is not only safe but also minimizes injuries.
4. Road Rage
Trust me – it is no game when you are in disagreement with another motorist on the road. Use that stubborn mind to do something productive.
What is the point of finding out who is right and who is wrong anyway? Is it worth your life, or your family’s?
Road rage is no myth; people are often hotheaded, claiming their way is the only way. Even if they are wrong at times, it is okay. Do not provoke them. You do not have to get mad either.
5. Learn to Yield
So, instead of causing a big deal out of the rage, yield to the other motorist. It is better than facing a collision and pay fines. More importantly, you are saving lives by not going into that road rage.
Give in also when you are not sure; there is no winner or loser here. It is not a race; keep that in mind.
6. Seatbelts!
I feel for the traffic officers. No matter how much they insist the drivers put on seatbelts, post-incident cause shows otherwise.
Do you not know the injuries by a collision can be reduced to 50% only if you wear a seatbelt properly? Besides, it is way cooler than a teenager/adult not following the protocol. So buckle up!
7. Respect the Traffic Lights
Are you in a hurry? Be patient and do not speed during a yellow light. Is it an emergency? I understand, but you do not even think about running a red light either!
Think about why the signals are there in the first place. Intersections are risky if you do not stop accordingly. No matter how urgent it is, do not risk your life.
8. Blinkers Save Lives Too
Did you know that the lack of using blinkers causes confusion which leads to collisions on the turns?
Even when you use them, do you give enough time to understand the signal? Make sure to use blinkers smoothly so that the other drivers have time to react.
Otherwise, you will have to pay for all the damages because of negligence.
9. Maintain a Buffer
What is a buffer in driving? It is like a space cushion or room for the vehicle to move around even in-between other automobiles. Always maintain this distance to ensure you do not end up paying for the damages yourself.
Some may recognize it as tailgating as well.
10. Beware of Blind Spots
If the motorist ahead of you cannot see you via the rearview mirror, you are potentially risking your and your partner’s life.
The same goes if you do not monitor the blind spots behind you, especially if you drive a trailer-like vehicle.
11. Check Tires in Advance
Never head out without inspecting the tires beforehand. Make sure they are inflated properly. Check if the tread has worn or not.
It is easy to control a vehicle that has steady tires than ones that wobble on the road.
12. What to Do in Downpour
You cannot control the weather, but you can certainly control how to drive in this situation. Keep additional distance from the vehicle before you. Do not keep on the cruise mode and drive slowly.
You must be alert at all times as the roads can become slippery. Hence, prepare to hit the brake frequently and react when required.
13. What About During the Heavy Snowfall?
As beautiful as the white snow appears, it is one of the deadly weathers for drivers. Once again, drive slowly and check how much snow has gathered on the road. You might have to use chains.
However, it is not ideal for icy terrains. If your region often gets such weather, better to switch to snow tires during the winter season. Rain and ice are similarly slippery, so turn off the cruise mode.
14. Are You High or Drunk?
Driving intoxicated is one of the riskiest ways to drive. In fact, do not sit behind the wheels even if you take cold medicines.
So many people are dying because one driver thought that he/she is not going to make a mistake as others did.
15. Proper Use of Headlights
Do not use headlines during the day. Believe me; it is annoying and almost blinds the driver if the sun is overhead.
On the other hand, turn on the headlight to the slightest dimness on the road. If you see fog forming, switch on those headlights as brightly as possible.
The others must be able to see you from afar in such conditions and react accordingly. You never know when visibility can weaken due to low light, wind, fog, etc.
Do not forget to turn down the beams if you see oncoming motorists so as not to dazzle them.
16. Stay Steady
No one can read your mind; accept it. When you suddenly charge or stop, do you think the driver behind or the front has any clue that you are about to do it? No, so do not try to be unpredictable when driving.
Keep your head cool and avoid abrupt speed shifts or turns. It is a bit of vital advice for the new drivers.
17. What to Do with Tailgaters
Tailgating or lacking a buffer behind you can be irritating. However, stay steady and put more distance if you can.
Let the tailgater pass by you as you slow down gradually and carefully move to the right lane. Of course, keep an eye on the surroundings as you do this.
Avoid sudden brakes unless necessary.
18. Periodic Vehicle Maintenance
How often do you inspect your vehicle? Regular maintenance can save you from an irregular breakdown on the road. Sometimes interstates and highways are busy, and you will have to pull over abruptly.
Use the blinkers! Then slowly move to the side and wait for assistance. There are times when a car can break down in the middle of traffic.
You should get out of it and allow others to pass as you call for help. You can prevent all these if you maintain the vehicle every month for leaks and such.
19. Eyes on the Road Please – Far Ahead!
Many newbies make this mistake. They focus so much on the front that they forget to look way ahead.
Try not to do it, or else you will have a hard time adjusting to the sudden changes. Consider this as a practice to defense mechanism. Looking far ahead on the road can help you anticipate any problem and assess what to do before you reach it.
It will also aid you in taking appropriate action when encountered with a reckless driver, roadblocks, debris, traffic conditions, etc.
20. Trust Only You
The final message is for you alone. Do not trust anyone but your skill. You cannot read what the driver ahead of you is thinking. The one behind you cannot anticipate your moves either.
Therefore, the driver has only himself/herself to trust. Put it to good use and continue to exercise accident preventative measures.
Final Words
Hopefully, I was able to turn your head around and make you understand the importance of these messages. Besides, the more you heed them, the better a mentor you can be to the youngsters.
Eventually, it can help the community follow the rules and regulations to avoid unforeseen incidents. Also, remember to acquire affordable insurance on the vehicle. Stay safe!
