National Drive Safe Month: Safe Driving Rules Everyone Should Follow
Everyone has been irritated by a bad driver and everyone probably has been that bad driver. Here are some things you should keep in mind that will keep you safe and could prevent you from being a victim of road rage.
Use turn signals
I can't say this enough! The purpose of turn signals is to alert the people around you that you're going to make a turn, not that you're currently making a turn. Turn signals warn the person behind you that you'll be slowing down and possibly stopping to make a turn. So, signal before hitting the brakes.
Don't impede the flow of traffic
Yes, the speed limit is 55, but driving slower than traffic is just as dangerous as driving faster. Keep up with the flow of traffic and stay in the right lane if you're keeping up with the slower traffic. Left lanes are for faster traffic and passing only.
Never throw a lit cigarette out the window
It's probably not a good idea that many car manufacturers have taken the ashtrays out of cars. Instead of preventing people from smoking, it's caused people to litter our roads with cigarette butts. To make things worse, cigarette butts are falling into dry grasses along the side of the road and causing forest fires! It's also dangerous for motorcyclists who don't have as much protection from a lit cigarette flying right at them.
Don't be a gaper
Not sure if it's just a Chicago thing, but "gaper delays" are the worst. The accident isn't even on your side of the highway, yet there is still a major traffic delay. When you see an accident or flashing lights ahead, keep your eyes on the road! Looking at the accident not only causes you to slow down, but it takes your attention away from the person in front of you—who may also be stopping because the cars in front of them are slowing down to look at the accident.
Brush the snow off the roof of your car
I get that you're in a hurry, but remember all that snow you left on the roof of your car? It’s blowing directly onto the car behind you, and it's like a blizzard back there. They probably are having trouble seeing the road.
Don't text message while driving
This is probably the most dangerous thing people do behind the wheel. It's even worse if the driver has a touchscreen phone because they can't feel out the buttons. Need to text while driving? Please wait until you are safely stopped.
Keep your eye out for cyclists
They're smaller and more difficult to see, but they are out there, especially in the summer. Don't drive in bicycle lanes, use your turn signals and don't tailgate. You have a ton of metal protecting you in case of an accident; when it's you versus a cyclist, you will always win. There's no need to prove it.
Adjust your attitude
If you find yourself getting agitated, focus on calming yourself down. Road rage hinders rational thought and increases the possibility of an accident. See this month's Renew You! article for ways to calm down quickly.
What other tips do you have for driving safely?