L&D Automotive wants you and your passengers to be safe when you’re on the road. Toward that end, we have some tips for you about being a defensive driver and staying safe behind the wheel.
Don’t Blindly Trust Other Drivers
It’s great when other drivers use their turn signals and do what they’re supposed to do, but if you’re blindly trusting that they’re going to be doing all the right things, you might have a problem. Other drivers may not know what they’re doing and if you’re counting on them to have their ducks in a row you might be the one caught out. Never assume that other drivers are paying attention, even if it seems like they are. It sounds mean, but trusting other drivers is a big mistake.
Leave Space for Yourself
That said, you have to make sure that you’ve got room to maneuver so that you can get away from anyone who becomes unsafe. That’s one big reason that tailgating is so bad. You’re not able to get away from the driver in front of you if you need to. Leave plenty of space and always be prepared to change lanes or get to the shoulder if something changes in a hurry.
Don’t Be in a Hurry
Speaking of hurrying, do everything that you can to avoid rushing. When you’re constantly running late, that makes you the problem driver. Pad your transportation time to make sure that you account for anything that you might encounter, from accidents caused by other drivers to heavy traffic. When you’re able to take your time getting where you’re going, you’re less likely to become an obstacle for other drivers.
Avoid Distractions
When you’re driving, stick to just driving. Listening to the radio is an easy way to pass time in the car, but you still need to pay attention. Avoid heavy conversations, texting, and anything else that might cause you to take your eyes, hands, or brain away from driving your car. Distracted driving is just as dangerous, if not more dangerous, than impaired driving.
Staying up to date on repairs and services also helps you to be a defensive driver. Need help with any services or repairs? Contact us today at L&D Automotive in Lavon, TX. We’ll help you to make sure that your car is as safe as possible so that you can drive defensively wherever you go.