Did you know that at any given time throughout the day, approximately 660,000 drivers are attempting to use their phones while behind the wheel of an automobile? And 1 out of every 4 car accidents in the United States is caused by texting and driving.

Considering these facts, it’s more important than ever to learn the dos and dont’s of driving, as well as basic tips that can keep you safe on the road. At ZenLyfe, we’re committed to providing you and your loved ones with safety tips to help mitigate potential dangers. Here are our top safety driving tips.

Keep Mental Note of Blind Spots

Drivers tend to forget that there are blind spots that make it hard to see the cars or other vehicles next to you. When changing lanes or entering a road, do more than just peak at your side mirrors. You will need to actually look behind you to check to make sure there is nobody in that blind spot. 

Understand Safe Braking Distance

When you’re in a hurry and there is someone driving unreasonably slow in front of you, it can be tempting to tailgate them. However, you are doing more harm than good in those situations. Tailgating is putting not only the driver in front of you in danger but your entire car and the ones behind you. 

Rearend collisions are extremely common and happen typically when the person in front of you brakes and you do not have space or reaction time to brake behind them. Your best bet is to avoid tailgating and give yourself ample space for reaction time and braking if necessary. 

Here you can actually find the science behind safe braking distance and how it’s calculated.

Avoid Distracted Driving

Within the last few years, many states have passed or are starting to pass laws that prohibit the use of hand-held devices while driving or a completely hands-free law. The increasing use of cell-phones prompted lawmakers, law enforcement, and the general public to see the dangers associated with technology use while driving. 

Remember our statistic from earlier? 1 out of every 4 accidents in the United States is caused by texting and driving. Some ways to avoid texting and driving is to install a Bluetooth connection to your car that allows you to receive and place calls just using voice command. Some cars even come equipped with the ability to send and receive text messages with a voice command.  

The best way to avoid distracted driving is to completely avoid using your phone while driving. This also includes anything else that can cause you to not pay attention like eating, doing your makeup, writing, or virtually anything that takes your hands off the wheel and eyes off the road.

Steer Clear of Aggressive Drivers

Aggressive drivers can cause unnecessary accidents so it’s best to try and avoid them. If someone is tailgating you on the highway, move over into a different lane. If someone seems to be swerving in and out of traffic, it’s advised not to drive close to them or interact. The best thing you can do is call 9-11 to report an aggressive driver. 

This also means you should not be an aggressive driver either. Road rage has become something that drivers don’t take seriously anymore. It’s a real problem that puts everybody on the road’s life in danger. 

Wear Your Seatbelt

Did you know that seat belts can reduce injury and death rates by 50%? Despite it being almost 2020, there are still drivers out there that don’t understand the importance of wearing a seatbelt. No matter the distance or if your seatbelt is uncomfortable, it can save you from possibly dying even in the smallest accidents. 

Check Your Mirrors Often

Our last tip is to frequently check your mirrors. You want to constantly be aware of your surroundings when you’re driving. Take a few seconds to check your side mirrors and review mirrors, especially before changing lanes. 

Key Takeaways

Driving can be very dangerous and there are a lot of risks involved. However, as a driver on the road, you have a responsibility to take necessary precautions, stay alert, and do your part in keeping the road clear. If you want more information on safe driving, you can contact your local law enforcement officials to help educate you on the driving laws and good driving habits. 

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