Essential Road Safety Every Driver Needs to Know
Whether you’re a novice or an experienced driver, practicing road safety is essential for preventing accidents that could cause injury, property damage, and costly liabilities. Even if you have Santa Fe Car Insurance that provides you with adequate coverage, it is still vital to know common road rules and driving courtesy.
Important road safety tips for drivers
Road safety rules vary from country to country and sometimes even between different jurisdictions in the same region. Even so, there are road safety practices that apply to most driving situations. Here are a few suggestions on how to ensure safety while operating a vehicle:
Stick to your side of the road. Different countries have different conventions concerning the ‘correct’ lane for driving. Always stick to your side of the street unless you are overtaking. If you are overtaking, ease back into your lane as quickly as possible without cutting off the car you have just passed.
Maintain the proper road position when turning. Assuming the correct side of the road is to the right, always look to see if there are oncoming vehicles before turning left. If the intersection is open, turn left smoothly while remaining in the proper lane.
When turning right, start by easing your car to the center of the road before making the turn. This will give you sufficient clearance, so you don’t graze the curb. Keep an eye on oncoming traffic as well as vehicles headed in the same direction.
Always overtake on the opposite lane. Driving onto the path of oncoming traffic might seem totally wrong, but it’s the safest option if you have to overtake. Doing so on the same lane you are headed is risky as you often won’t have sufficient clearance between the car in front of you and the curb.
Of course, you do have to make sure that there are no cars headed your way. And when you do overtake, try to ease back into your lane as soon as possible without swerving or cutting off the vehicle you just passed.
Allow overtaking drivers to pass. If you are the one being overtaken, let the other car pass you. Do not speed up or swerve into the passing vehicle’s path to avoid contact.
Be extra vigilant when crossing intersections. Most accidents occur at intersections. Always look in all directions, including your front and rear. You never know if a car is speeding to beat a red light.
Don’t try to beat a red light yourself, either. And when the green light comes on, ease down on the accelerator without jerking forward.
Respect the other vehicles’ right of way. Many road safety practices involve simply respecting the right of way of other cars. This applies to most situations, but especially when approaching an intersection. Allowing other vehicles to proceed without obstructing them will help you avoid most accidents.
Give way to emergency vehicles. Ambulances, fire engines, and police personnel always have priority over other vehicles, including your own. If you are in front of an emergency vehicle with sirens and lights on, ease toward the side of the road slowly to let them pass.
Give pedestrians the right of way. Pedestrians generally have the right of way over vehicles. This goes without saying at pedestrian and zebra crossings, but due consideration should also be given to pedestrians on other parts of the road.
Make U-turns only where allowed. On some roads, making a U-turn is expressly forbidden. Only do so if there aren’t any signs indicating that U-turns aren’t allowed. And if you do make a U-turn, make sure to make your intentions known by using your turn signals.
Use your turn signals. Speaking of turn signals, they’re there for a reason. Use them whenever necessary, which is typically when you have to change direction. If your turn lights suddenly stop working for whatever reason, indicate your intended course by using hand signals instead.
Park your vehicle responsibly. Parking is an oft-neglected aspect of road safety, but proper parking can help prevent accidents and ensure a smooth traffic flow. Avoid blocking the road and leave enough space for cars at the front and rear of your vehicle to maneuver.
These are only a few ways by which you could help ensure road safety with proper driving practices. There are many more to learn and put into practice, depending on the laws and regulations in your community.
About Daniels Insurance, Inc.
At Daniels Insurance, Inc., we have a unique understanding of the risks that businesses like yours face on a regular basis. With the backing of our comprehensive coverages and our dedication to customer service and quick claims resolution, your business will be fully protected. For more information, contact us today at (855) 565-7616.