(image source) (shutterstock.com)
Driving a motor vehicle is viewed as a necessity by millions of people today, but you my readers will agree with me that it comes at a price. It has been estimated that over 1,200,000 lose their lives in traffic accidents worldwide each year! (WHO)
So I thought it would be worth our while to learn how to drive safely.
Follow me as I share some practical steps that we can take
CHECK YOURSELF
according to Australian Journal of Social Issues, the most significant steps a driver can take to reduce the risk of fatalities is to improve his behaviour at the wheel. So dear steemians before setting out to drive, ask yourselve, 'am I in the proper condition and mood to drive?' The Land Transportation Office of the Philippines list fatigue, anger, anxiety, and excitement as emotions that affect driving habits leading to unwise decisions and even violent road rage. So if we truly respect the lives of others, instead of trying to drive when we are high ( to drive under the influence of alcohol, certain drugs or medications ), we will rather forgo the trip or better still get someone else to drive us..
( image source )( shutterstock.com )CHECK YOUR SKILLS
The fact still remains that as the number of vehicles increases, so does the number of new, inexperienced drivers. So let's consider two things that any driver can do to avoid accident
i :- Be Aware Of Blind Spots And Distractions
It's actually very simple. Don't just rely on to your mirror, turn your head to see what's happening around you. Avoid distraction while driving. Please, DON'T MULTITASK-activities like operating gadgets or talking on the phone are distracting.
( image source )( shutterstocks.com )
ii :- Drive Defensively
Stay alert, watch for potential road hazard ahead and behind, also never forget to anticipate the moves of other drivers-most importantly, their wrong moves. And since most of the collisions results from one vehicle following another too closely, it's wise we Maintain A Safe Distance between our vehicle and others.
( image source )( shutterstock.com )
- CHECK YOUR VEHICLE
it's not just okay for us to be safety conscious, our vehicle needs to be in good condition too.
Brakes should be in prime condition.
Tires should have plenty of tread to reduce the possibility of hydroplaning or sliding.
Take note of your steering ability and stopping distances when it comes to wet roads.
Headlight should be in its best condition and speed reasonably lowered for night driving.
Seat Belts should be used always.
( image source )( shutterstock.com )
most of the preceding steps also apply to motorcyclist. In addition, Motorcycle Safety Foundation in the United States says and I qoute, "BE VISIBLE." So please keep your headlights on and make sure others can see you. Stay out of blind spots of other vehicles.
"DRESS FOR SAFETY." Wear a helmet and a bright, thick, protective clothing.
( image source )( shutterstock.com )
Well, that's all about it steemians.
Never forget that life is a precious gift from God, so it's only proper that we do what we can to protect it, and that includes learning to drive safely...
A big shout-out to @surpassinggoogle, @teamsteem and all other great Steemians for their good work....