The ultimate guide to safe driving

If you are something of a petrolhead, then you are a member of a growing crew of women who are entering the traditionally male-dominated realm of automobiles. For many people, putting the pedal to the metal and enjoying the thrill of acceleration and speed is one of life’s incredible joys. If you adore driving, and you see this more as a passion rather than just as a means of commuting, you’ll revel in having your own set of wheels. But here’s the thing, with car ownership comes responsibility – and making sure you follow safe driving tips.

Safe driving isn’t boring, it’s the right thing to do

Being a thrill seeker usually means that being a safe driver conjures up thoughts of boring driving. Nothing could be further from the truth, though.

Using a defensive driving technique isn’t about driving slowly, moving through the gears in a set pattern, and driving like a robot without the excitement of testing a car’s handling capabilities. Instead, being a safe driver means being aware of other road users, and ensuring that you don’t bring needless harm to yourself or others.

If you aren’t safe driving, then you could need the services of an attorney like Robinette Law who will support you should you need to make a claim against a fellow driver. However, the safer you are on the road, the less likely you are to suffer a collision.

Hazard awareness is part of safe driving

Don’t think that you have to drive ten miles an hour less than the speed limit at all times. Speed limits are present on roads for a reason; they prevent accidents on highways that have high rates of collisions that cause fatalities.

Authorities and law enforcement don’t put slow speed limits on roads that could cause congestion, though. It wouldn’t be worth their time and could make their lives more difficult.

If you find yourself on a busy road, it’s vital that you not only stick to the speed limit, but that you are also aware of any potential hazards. Here are just some of the possible hazards to watch for:

• Pedestrians crossing the road
• Roadblock
• Traffic cones
• Faster drivers
• Oncoming traffic
• Potholes

Be defensive and always hunt for the “way out” if you need one. For example, highways have hard shoulders and other roads have filter lanes and slipways to enable a quick escape, should you need one. It’s part of safe driving to be aware of hazards and be cautious in all weather conditions.

Maintenance checks

Being a safe driver begins before you even put your keys in the ignition. Before long journeys and once a month, you shoul conduct basic maintenance checks.

Some examples of routine auto maintenance activities are:

• Check tire pressure
• Perform a dip stick test on your oil
• Ensure your fluid levels are at an optimum

Top up your oil if needed, pump up your tires, and ensure that your jack and spare tire are in your hood.

By having a vehicle that is regularly serviced, you will have a safer automobile with fewer defects. Furthermore, get a professional to check your set of wheels over annually; doing so helps to preserve the value of your car, and anyone who comes to buy it will recognize how much care you have taken in looking after it.

The car you choose

You can still enjoy being behind the wheel if you choose a car that has an exceptional safety record, like the five star rated vehicles on the NCAP website, and if you select a motor with the sorts of brake horsepower and torque that you are after. Go for the car that goes from zero to sixty in less than seven seconds – there’s no rule or law against accelerating fast. Just ensure that you keep checking for those hazards and you stick to the speed limit.

Ensure that you explore all car options available to you. The latest hybrid cars that make use of electric powered technology as well as traditional fuel are just as spritely and nimble as their gas guzzling equivalents. No longer are they slow nor do they need charging every 50 miles.

However, they do come with incredible safety features such as blind spot sensors and advanced braking systems that can sense a hazard in front of you, before you can do so. This added level of security can make the latest hybrid models a very attractive choice to individuals who adore being at the forefront of driving technology.

Final words on safe driving

Be the sort of driver that you want to encounter on the road. Be sensible, but not slow. Be aware, but not tired or timid.

And be passionate, but not hyperalert. Forget being an irresponsible driver, and follow this guide to enhance your safer petrolhead credentials. Safe driving is the best, right?!