At Michles and Booth, we believe the best case, is no case. Here are some pointers on how you and your loved ones can avoid having an accident.
- Always scan the road around you. Don’t just pay attention to the vehicle in front of you, keep your eyes focused on the vehicle in front of them, and the vehicles to the side of you, and to your rear. By scanning the road all around you, you increase your chances of noticing a problem with the ability to avoid it while decreasing your chances of crashing into the person in front of you should they suddenly stop.
- Try avoiding the fast lane of traffic if at all possible. By using middle and outside lanes in a multilane road, you have more escape route in the event a problem. Many highway accidents occur in the left lane, plus, you are much more noticeable to law enforcement if you are driving in the fast lane.
- Pay attention to your blind spots. While side view and rear view mirrors work tremendously in our efforts to be more attentive drivers, do not become to reliant on them. Physically turning to look into the lanes beside you to avoid something your mirrors missed gives you an added assurance that your mirrors cannot.
- Use your blinkers and hazards: When changing lanes even if you do not think there is anyone next to you always use your blinkers to alert the drivers around you of your actions. Sometimes you’ll encounter a sudden obstruction on the highway. Once you’ve slowed down, put your hazards on. This is a great way to alert drivers behind you when they see you slowing down.
- Drive with your hands in the 10 and 2 o’clock position. It is all too common to see drivers with one hand on the wheel or steering their vehicle with their legs. Do not become a statistic! This position provides maximum control of your vehicle in the event you have to make a quick decision.
- Look at the condition of the vehicles around you. There is a saying “don’t judge a book by its cover”. But if a car’s condition indicates an inattentive owner because of body damage or dirty windows, it could easily suggest an inattentive driver, too.
- Stay away from a drifting driver. Drifting in the lane and crossing lanes of traffic often identifies a tired, drunk or cell phone-preoccupied driver . Bottom line: Get as far away as you can from that person.
- Know your vehicles limits. Every vehicle accelerates brakes and drives entirely different from the next vehicle on the road. If you are unfamiliar with the vehicle you are driving, don’t just jump on the highway. Start off by travelling on less populated city streets and country roads to test your comfort zone with the vehicle.
- Take care of your car, Regular maintenance is a great way to ensure your vehicle is in working order, by checking the brakes, tires, and changing your oil every 3000 miles.
- Use a hands-free headset: Whether you’re driving a manual or an automatic, you need both of your hands. You may be tempted to talk on the phone, but you need to be careful. Using a hands-free device will allow you to keep your attention where it belongs. Even if you are still a little distracted while using such a device, you can at least use both hands to drive. Nevertheless, keep phone calls brief — there’s still the danger of getting lost in a conversation. Pull over if you need to talk longer, and never text and drive!
