Imagine that you’re driving your children to school one morning. You’re late, stressed and the last thing on your mind is the need to drive safely. You’ve been driving this route so many times, in fact, that you’ve become complacent and are taking your safety for granted. This is one of the biggest mistakes any driver can make.
The inherent dangers of driving a car create the need to be vigilant about safety at all times. Here are three vital safety tips that drivers often forget:
Maintain a defensive stance: Driving can be frustrating and boring — especially when you’re running late. A slow driver in front of you can make you want to tailgate them or swerve around them quickly to continue at your preferred driving pace.
This kind of behavior is the opposite of defensive driving, and it’s exactly what gets a lot of people killed on U.S. roads every year. Try to relax, take a deep breath and understand that getting someone five minutes faster isn’t a big deal — even if you’re running behind. Adopting a cautious stance while driving could save your life.
Follow the 12-second rule: This rule involves where you keep your eyes while navigating traffic. Always scan ahead to where you’re going to be 12 seconds in the future. This will help you anticipate potential dangers and give you enough time to slow down and avoid them when necessary.
Be careful at intersections: Intersections are the source of numerous accents — whether they are caused by red light runners, distracted drivers or people crossing traffic to make a left-hand turn. Always scan the intersection before entering it to be sure that there aren’t any potential dangers present.
No matter how careful and attentive we are as drivers, we can still suffer injuries in accidents caused by the negligence of others. If you were hurt in such a situation, the law may be on your side. Learn more about your legal options for pursuing a personal injury claim.