Are you a responsible driver? About a million people all over the world die of road accidents every year. Follow these essential road safety tips for your own sake and others.
1. Belt yourself.
- Whether you are on the front seat or back, you are still at risk.
- If you don’t, you could kill someone in the front as well as yourself.
- Check if everyone is belted well before you hit the road and make sure you do, even on short trips.
- Seats must be suited to your child’s size , weight, and for your vehicle. They must be properly fastened as well. Avoid using second-hand seats; only brand new and reliable brands.
2. Wake yourself.
- Don’t risk driving when you’re sleepy.
- If you do, chances are you’ll keep nodding while driving.
- Research shows that the greatest risk of falling asleep at the wheel is between midnight-6am and 2-4pm; so get enough rest before setting off.
- If ever you feel drowsy while driving, pull over; experts suggest to get a cup of coffee or an energy drink with caffeine. After drinking, park beside a busy and well-lit area and nap for a few minutes to give time for the caffeine to kick in.
- Start driving only if you are alert again.
3. Sober yourself.
- Don’t drive under the influence of any substance.
- Don’t drive if you feel heavy and tipsy after drinking; trying to look sober won’t work and there’s a big chance you’ll doze off and crash. Sleep it off somewhere until you get sober.
- Don’t be an idiot. Alcohol slows your responses, dulls your judgement and vision and impairs your ability to drive; same goes for illegal drugs.
- If you go out to drink with friends, it’s better to let your sober friend (with a driver’s license) drive on the way back home.
4. Control yourself.
- Don’t overspeed.
- Check your speedometer and don’t go over the speed limits. The faster you go, the harder you’ll hit anything or anyone.
- Watch for the speed limits by the side of the road. In some countries, speed cameras are installed and you’ll have to pay a hefty amount of money or worse, crash your car.
- Don’t attempt to overtake if you’re not so sure the road is clear.
5. Prep yourself.
- Drive wisely in bad weather conditions.
- When it rains, make sure your headlights function well and keep them on a dipped beam when necessary.
- Slow down especially when you’re on wet and snowy roads; you might skid and topple over.
- Drive at least 4 seconds behind the vehicle infront of you and avoid braking and steering sharply.
- Make sure to bring an emergency winter kit stocked with cloth, ice scraper, glass cleaner, anti-freeze, kitty litter, jack and wrench.
6. Alert yourself.
- Don’t get distracted while driving.
- Pay attention to the road and avoid answering your mobile phone or changing a CD or song in your mp3 player. It only takes a split second to overlook potential danger.
- Be fully aware of your surroundings and you’ll be able to avoid hazards along the way. Driving is a complicated activity that requires your full concentration.
- Cyclists and pedestrians need to be watched out for especially in round abouts and pedestrian crossings.
7. Check yourself.
- Inspect gear and vehicle fluids.
- Worn out tires may cause serious accidents. Use a tyre pressure gauge to make sure they are also properly inflated and do not have tears.
- Do you have enough break fluid? Is there a leak? Check for scheduled check ups on your vehicle.
- Also make sure your head lights are cleaned properly and bulbs aren’t blown. You need ample visibility on the road.
