Steer The Wheel With Care: Avoiding Dangers On The Road
By: Benedict Smythe
Submitted: 2008-08-08 22:00:37 | Word Count: 515
As you take hold of the wheel, you are in charge for a safe journey. Always be reminded that you are in the front seat, the most important place inside the vehicle, so it’s just but proper and mandatory that you stay alert and focus as you drive your way to that destination.
• First things first. Never forget that the minute you get into your car, everybody must fasten their seatbelts. Next, lock all the doors, especially the one nearest to the youngest passenger. Reduce the risks of accident by abiding all the rules, being courteous and predictable to your co motorists will help for a smoother flow of traffic. Keep distance from other vehicles on the road, be careful when changing lanes and always have your signal light and brakes checked. Upon reaching an intersection, slow down, watch for the traffic lights, pedestrians crossing and other vehicles turning from the other direction.
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• During the day, when things begin to rush, don’t drive likewise. Stay in focus and be calm. Have a keen attention on the things around you, avoid distractions by concentrating on the road. Since your full attention is needed, put away cellular phones, laptops and maps while driving. If there is an urgent need to look at those, answer a call or a message, then better stop for a while and do what you need to.
• Avoid eating or drinking while on the road, you might lose grip on the steering wheel and rather than minding your hands controlling the wheel, you might be more conscious of the food on your fingers.
• On the other hand, when driving at night, observe your body system before starting off. When you feel dizzy or your eyelids are becoming heavy and if there is constant yawning, you are facing the threats of falling asleep. This is one of the most dangerous situations experienced by drivers and it often leads to countless accidents. When you feel sleepy, the brain start to black out, it eventually affects your concentration and your thinking.
• Dangerous driving is also brought about by excessive drinking, that is why drunk driving is penalized heavily. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a major cause of highway deaths.
• Always get enough sleep, do not drink and eat much when you know you will be driving yourself home. Do not take medicines with drowsy effects before hitting the road. Having somebody to accompany you for a right level of conversation will keep you up on your way. If possible, try to get a nap once in a while during long road trips.
• Other personal safety tips will include your mood, physical and emotional condition. Eyesight or Visual check is important. Constantly glancing at your blind spot will help you in assessing traffic and motorists around you, making you more updated with their movements.
• The most important of all safety rules is to avoid driving aggressively and arguing while on the road. You have to pull over if this is the case, otherwise you’ll only end up with an accident.
