5 Ways to Be a Better Driver and Keep Your Car Safe
In today’s world, a car is much more than a way to get from point A to point B. It’s also a costly investment and something that requires regular upkeep to avoid expensive repairs or even the complete failure of your car.
If you own a car, you probably see it as something that will last you for many years. To keep your car happy and healthy, there are several ways in which you can be a better driver and reduce the risk of major repair bills. Here are five tips on how you can be a safer driver and ensure that your car remains in tip-top condition:
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Watch your acceleration and braking habits
When you’re driving a car, you are essentially in control of a powerful machine. This is why it’s essential to be mindful of your acceleration and braking habits. You should avoid sudden acceleration and braking.
These driving habits can cause your car to strain while accelerating and decelerating, which can put excess wear and tear on your engine and cause a hazard to other road users, especially in the absence of blinkers or warnings to alert drivers of your intended actions.
Be aware of your surroundings
When driving, it’s essential to stay focused on the road ahead. However, certain things can be done to avoid putting yourself and other drivers at risk. Paying attention to the road around you and being aware of what other drivers or pedestrians are doing will give you more time to react if needed. Watching the road will alert you to any issues with others, build-up of traffic, or significant incidents.
Have appropriate car insurance
It’s essential to have appropriate car insurance in place. You may already have car insurance coverage, but you should review your plan to ensure you get the coverage you need by talking to reputable car insurance agents. If you are putting a new driver behind the wheel of your car, you should consider adding them as a secondary driver to your insurance policy.
That way, if something goes wrong, it will be covered by your insurance. If you have a car worth more than $3,000, it’s a good idea to invest in a car insurance policy that covers things like comprehensive and collision. These policies will cover expenses if you get into an accident or your car is damaged due to weather hazards.
Don’t drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs
It’s important to note that driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can lead to severe consequences, including a fine and a criminal record. This can also lead to your car insurance provider refusing to cover any damages that may occur while you operate your car under the influence. If you are pulled over and suspected of driving under the influence, you must submit a blood alcohol test.
If the test results show that you were intoxicated, you could face serious charges, including a DUI conviction. If you are found guilty of driving under the influence, you could experience significant consequences, including a monetary fine, a criminal record, and a mandatory driver’s license suspension. You may also have to complete an alcohol or drug treatment program.
Follow The 3-4 Second Rule
The 3-4 second rule is a simple rule that can help you avoid getting into an accident. When driving at a certain speed, it takes about 3-4 seconds for you to react to an emergency and apply the brake.
When driving, pay attention to your surroundings and respond quickly if you are about to hit another car. Suppose you are too close to another car, brake and try to steer away from it.
If you’re too close, you’ll be able to swerve away, avoiding a collision. The 3-4 second rule is a helpful rule of thumb to keep in mind when you’re driving. It’s important to remember that this is just a guideline, and you may need more time to react to a situation safely.
The 3-4 second rule can be applied when you’re in various traffic situations. For example, if you’re approaching a busy intersection and you see a car is about to make a left turn, you may want to slow down and ensure you keep a safe distance from that car.
Conclusion
Driving can be an enjoyable experience, but it can also be hazardous. You can reduce your risk of being involved in an accident by being a cautious driver who stays aware of their surroundings.
To further reduce your risk of being in an accident, you should keep up with regular maintenance, avoid driving when you’re tired, pay attention to road signs, and follow the 3-4 second rule.
