If you were asked to rate your driving abilities on a scale of 1-10, what number would you put forward? Studies suggest that most of us think that we’re good drivers. Despite this, more than 90% of accidents on the roads are caused by driver errors. You may think that you’re a careful driver, but if you took the time to analyze your performance, would your rating stay the same? Are you really a diligent driver or are you your own worst enemy?
How fast do you drive?
It’s no secret that driving too fast carries a risk of accidents and severe injuries. It may seem boring, but speed restrictions serve a vital purpose. They are there to protect drivers and to reduce the risk of life-threatening injuries. The risk of fatal injuries is much higher at speeds of 60 or 70mph than it is at 20 or 30mph. As a driver, you should always be aware of restrictions, and ensure that you drive at a suitable speed. If you’re going too fast, and you hit another car or a pedestrian, they will hold you liable for the accident, and you could face legal action. On the flipside, if you’ve been injured by a speeding driver, you could make a claim. If you find yourself in a situation where you need advice about an accident, contact these injury attorneys. Although speed limits can provide a guideline, it’s useful to employ your own common sense too. If it’s foggy, the roads are icy, or you’re driving through torrential rain, reduce your speed.
Do you ever drive tired?
Have you ever got behind the wheel when you’ve felt exhausted or turned the key when you could feel your eyes struggling to stay open? Driving tired is one of the most common causes of road accidents. When you’re tired, your reaction times increase, your judgment could be clouded, and you could even fall asleep at the wheel and lose control of the vehicle. If you are tired, don’t take risks. Postpone your journey or pull over in a safe place, get some fresh air or take a nap.
Are you as patient as you should be?
We all have days when we feel a bit stressed and even the slightest thing, for example, a slow driver or a car that doesn’t indicate, can push over the edge, but if you tend to get angry on a regular basis, it may be wise to try and address this. If you get frustrated and you lose your cool easily, try and take deep breaths, focus on the road, and give other drivers more time and space.
Does the road ahead always have your full attention?
You’ve probably noticed that the environment around you can change very quickly when you’re driving. The truth is that you can find yourself in a dangerous situation without any prior warning. This is why it’s crucial to ensure that you’re always ready to react. If you’re texting, you’re messing with the radio, or you’re talking to somebody in the back, this could prevent you from being able to stop suddenly. Keep your eyes on the road at all times, and concentrate on what’s going on around you. If you do need to make an urgent call or reset the sat nav, find a safe place to pull over, ask your passenger to assist you or use a hands-free, in-car system.
Next time you prepare to make a journey, think about just how good a driver you are.
