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Road Safety 101: 6 Simple Ways To Become A Responsible Driver

by Louise W. Rice
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A responsible driver considers safety as an essential factor in driving. Road safety includes ensuring you always have your seat belt on and obeying traffic signs and signals. By following driving rules, a responsible driver decreases the chance of getting into an accident with other motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians. According to the FLHSMV, there will be an average of 933 traffic crashes per day in Florida in 2020. To ensure safety, observe these critical road safety guidelines.

1. Do Not Drink And Drive

This is a basic yet very important rule of the road. Driving after drinking alcohol is considered a serious offense as it impairs your driving ability. For one, it keeps you from reacting quickly to avoid accidents or other road hazards. In addition, it can affect your vision, coordination, and concentration.

With alcohol in your system, you might miss some road signs and be slow to execute simple safety maneuvers. Alcohol can also impair your judgment, making you more reckless on the road.

Many road accidents occur because of drunk driving. Perhaps you’re wondering, are there more car or bicycle accidents Florida or in other states due to drunk driving? In general, car accidents outnumber bicycle accidents. But statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) typically differentiate cases from state to state based on behavioral factors, such as speeding, alcohol-impaired driving, and not using a seatbelt.

2. Wear Your Seatbelt

This is one of the first rules you learn when learning how to drive. It’s a simple rule that can save your life in case of collisions. Wearing your seatbelt secures you in your seat, so you don’t get ejected from your vehicle upon impact. It also restrains you if you make a sharp turn or abrupt stop. Driving can be unpredictable, even if you follow all the road rules.

If you’re carrying passengers, ensure they always wear their seatbelts.

3. Obey Traffic Rules

Road rules may differ from region to region. For example, in some countries, motorists drive on the right side of the road, while in others, motorists drive on the left. If you’re unaware of which side to drive, you risk getting into an accident.

Speed limits also vary depending on the area. The speed limit is lower in residential areas or on narrow roads. On the other hand, you can go much faster when driving on major highways and interstate routes.

Some places allow you to park your car indefinitely or for a limited period. Others don’t allow parking, and your vehicle may be towed. Traffic rules are for everyone’s safety, so follow them every time you get behind the wheel.

4. Do Not Overload Your Vehicle

Overloading your vehicle means taking on too many passengers or cargo. An overloaded vehicle may compromise your safety because they’re more challenging to maneuver and take longer to stop.

Each vehicle has its own weight limit, with trucks being able to carry heavier loads. Lighter cars can only carry so much. If your vehicle can hold a maximum of five people, don’t exceed this limit.

Avoid overloading your car because it leads to a higher risk of mechanical failures, increasing the chances of a car accident.

5. Get Enough Sleep

Although often overlooked, getting adequate sleep is essential to responsible driving. Lack of sleep and fatigue may significantly affect your focus, judgment, and reaction time. If you drive while drowsy, you may fall asleep at the wheel, putting yourself and others at risk.

Getting enough sleep before driving enables you to focus on the road, react quickly, and make good decisions in unforeseen events.

6. Get Your Eyes Tested

You need to see clearly when driving to avoid potential hazards and be aware of other road users. Another way to ensure your safety and the safety of others is to read and follow road signs and signals. To ensure this, you should have your eyes tested by an optometrist or ophthalmologist.

Once your eyes are tested, the eye care professional will ensure you get the proper corrective contact lenses or eyeglasses. With your new prescription lenses, you’ll be able to read the road signs, follow vehicles at the required distance, and be spatially aware of your surroundings. It’s recommended to get your eyes tested at least once a year.

Conclusion

Responsible driving is all about your safety and the safety of others. You learn many road rules for safety when preparing to get your driver’s license. Once you become a licensed driver, you have to make sure you follow these rules.

Accidents can happen on the road even when you’re being careful because there are other factors beyond your control. Nonetheless, you should always strive to be a responsible driver to help keep yourself and your passengers safe as well as other motorists and pedestrians.

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