If you’ve been driving your car for any length of time you should already know the rules of driving and how important it is to be a safe driver and also how necessary it has become to be a defensive driver. There are many drivers on the road today that have never taken any type of driving course, just barely passed their drivers test when getting a drivers license, if they even have one and there are even some drivers on our roads that can’t even read the road signs. So, when we get in our car to drive somewhere we are actually putting our lives in the hands of others. This sometimes can be a very scary feeling, knowing that we are not in control of our destiny. But, there are ways that you can take some of that control back by the way you handle yourself while you’re behind the wheel of your vehicle.

You cannot keep other people from doing this but you can discipline yourself and never drive if you have had even one drink. Everyone thinks that their driving capabilities are not affected by just a little drink but they are wrong. Statistics have shown that even the smallest amount of alcohol can render you incapable of having the alertness you need to drive a large chunk of metal on a large area of pavement with other large and sometimes larger vehicles speeding down the freeway. So, if you know you are going to be driving avoid that drink, have a soda or special water with a lemon slice. You’ll live much longer to drive many more miles.

When you are driving it is important to avoid the many distractions that can cause us to take our eyes off the road or taking our hands off the steering wheel. Turn your cell phone off, you can always return a call when you stop somewhere. Also, don’t try to drink your breakfast coffee or eat your breakfast while driving because both take your attention away from driving probably during rush hour. You can wait until you get to work to have that coffee and breakfast sandwich. It’ll make for a much safer trip to work.

Other things that are important to keep your trip safe are: keep your car properly maintained so that you don’t have an unexpected flat or an overheated radiator; always keep a cool head while you’re driving and you won’t be a victim of road rage; don’t follow too close because it won’t make your trip any faster or shorter, just more dangerous; always be aware of your surroundings; and be especially careful at intersections because that’s where a lot of accident occur. If you pay attention to the above suggestions you should have a safe drive wherever you’re going.

By: Otto Ingrid