Safe driving habits can help you dramatically reduce your risk of getting into an accident on the road. No matter whether you’re a new driver or more experienced behind the wheel, you can always adopt smarter habits that can make you a better driver. Follow these clever tips to improve your driving and become even safer on the road.
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Remove Distractions and Focus on the Road
It sounds simple, but removing the distractions that make you multi-task can make you much safer on the road. Consider how many times you take your eyes, mind, or both off the road when you’re snacking, changing radio stations, and chatting with friends. When you’re occupied with other activities, you might not respond fast enough to a child rushing onto the road or a motorist acting unexpectedly. Remove the distractions and start focusing on the job at hand to react much faster.
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Heed Speed Limits and Recommendations
Speed limits and signs recommending you reduce your speed for tight turns exist to keep you and other road users safe. If you exceed these speeds, you may be unable to manage your vehicle. This can be especially problematic in suburban or urban areas where there are people about. The faster you’re going, the more serious any collision will be. Pay attention to those signs and stick to the limits and recommendations at all times to stay safe.
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Drive to the Conditions
Certain conditions call for different driving techniques. When the roads are wet or icy or visibility is poor from fog or rain, driving slower than the speed limit can be the safest choice. Brakes can struggle in very cold or icy weather too, so you may use them less to keep control of your vehicle. Check the weather every time you leave home and adjust your driving accordingly.
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Allow Extra Time
When you’re pushed for time, you’ll naturally take more risks when reaching your destination. For example, you might travel a little faster or make a left turn at an intersection without waiting for a large gap. Worrying about time can also elevate your stress levels, which impacts your decision-making behind the wheel. Hitting traffic or roadworks can put you even further behind, leading to more risky behavior and more stress.
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Keep Calm
Stress isn’t the only emotion that can impact your decision-making behind the wheel. Getting hot under the collar can also undermine your driving ability. We’ve all encountered people that frustrate us on the road, from motorists that travel at a snail’s pace to those drivers that sit too close to our bumpers. You can’t control what they do, but you can control how you deal with them. Take a few deep breaths and keep your emotions under control. Staying calm will help you make sound driving decisions that keep you and your passengers safe.
A safe driver needs a safe car to make the most of their skills. For a modern vehicle with the latest safety features, visit Dorian Ford, your trusted Ford dealership in Clinton Township. We have an extensive range of reliable new and used vehicles with the best safety tech for your peace of mind.
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