Imagine this: You’re driving at the highway, and you’re doing it slowly because you have your family with you. Then a car comes crashing near the van in front of you. Your heart beats faster with fear — not only for your life, but also for your family’s.
Whether the two drivers are to blame or not, the common reaction of any individual is shock and of course, gratitude because nothing bad happened to them. To lower your risks to be in the same situation, here are some tips to help you keep safe on the road:
Don’t Let Fatigue Affect Your Alertness
It’s too common to see drivers trying to take a nap while on the wheel, especially when there’s traffic, but this can affect concentration. You may fall victim to fatigue due to various reasons like anemia, stress, thyroid problems, or simply because you’re tired.
If you’re feeling weak and sleepy, the practical thing to do is to pull over and take a nap. If it’s not possible, then let someone else take over the driving or play loud music. The bottom line is you shouldn’t drive when you can’t stay alert or when it’s your usual time of sleep.
Don’t Mix Alcohol and Medication
People who drive while intoxicated often go over the speed limit. Police authorities can determine this through a laser radar gun (a type of speed gun) and sobriety tests when they’ve pulled you over. It isn’t a crime to drink alcohol and definitely not your fault if you’re taking any kind of medication, just don’t drive.
Be Mindful of Your Surroundings
There are many distractions on the road and even inside the car so you have to learn the art of concentration. Even if you’re with family or friends, their noise could distract you. Learn to filter distractions or better yet, tell them not to distract you.
Accidents can happen to anyone, like losing grip of the steering wheel or not paying close attention to what’s happening to your car. In a way, being a safe driver is also connected to being mindful of your surroundings.
Have Enough Sleep
Not having enough sleep can affect your mental and physical health. Everyone needs at least seven hours of sleep. This is because the hormones and even your organs need to rest and regulate during your time of rest.
Driving is an activity where in your mind and body get tired because both are functioning at the same time. Having quality sleep makes you alert and able to focus to the road ahead.
Be Up-to-Date with the Road Rules
There are no specific dates when rules change in a city or town, so it’s a must to be familiar with all the traffic rules in your route. This can help you stay out of trouble, especially when it comes to speeding and which roads are one-way or two-way.
As one fictional and famous character says, “With power comes great responsibility.” Driving is like that. You’re responsible for your life, your passengers, and the people who are near your vehicle. With that, you should be aware of the consequences of your driving. Be safe and protect not only yourself, but your family as well.
