Every motorist needs to be aware of safety tips to minimise the dangers on our roads. Read below some important tips given by a master coach in advanced racetrack ad road driving methods.1
Stay alert1
According to shell.co.za, consider rules more like guidelines. Having this approach will empower you to make wise decisions at any time. Always Be alert to your surroundings, noting the behaviour of other motorists. For this reason, avoid driving, especially on a long journey, when you haven’t had a good night’s rest.
Avoid any distractions1
Any distractions such as talking on cell phones and fiddling with the radio or air-conditioning can endanger lives while travelling at high speed. Instead, ensure that you stay focused on your driving and the road ahead.
Avoid panicking as much as is possible1
We are all human, and it’s so easy to panic in a daunting situation on the road. The only problem with that is that you lose the ability to decide on the best course of action rationally. It’s best to focus on what needs to happen next and not on what could happen.
Safe driving takes skill1
Anyone can roar down a highway in a reckless manner and choose to be oblivious to other motorists. The skill in safe driving is to know your limitations and drive defensively. This will minimise or prevent road rage incidents or accidents from happening. Driving slower than the speed limit allows you much more time to make a flash decision if a car in front of you has a tyre blow-out. Safe drivers will not allow themselves to be distracted and instead stay focused on the road ahead.
Are you ready for anything unexpected? 1
Try and be a step ahead of that pedestrian who seems drunk. And what about travelling on a road where you have just passed a sign warning about wild animals crossing the road? Prepare in your mind how you will react should something shoot into the road in front of your car. Speed kills, so slow down during such stretches of road
Be aware of your steering
When your car begins to slide on a wet road, would you know how to correct it? Turning the wheel in the wrong direction could result in disaster. Never drive along the highway at high speed with a few fingers loosely holding the wheel. Firmly grip the wheel with both hands so that you won’t lose control should the car hit a pothole, for instance.
Always change position slowly1
You know you are about to change lanes next, but other motorists won’t. Always indicate religiously, and change position slowly so that other motorists near you can notice this and have enough time to take evasive action if necessary.
Lives are so precious that we cannot attach any meaningful value to them. That is why road safety is of paramount importance and should be taught, and encouraged. Unfortunately, car accidents still do happen, and that is why all car occupants should be belted up. Now you know more about how to protect yourself on the road. But are you financially protected with adequate car insurance cover for your car that is also affordable? If not sure, and would like to find out more, contact PMD regarding their affordable car insurance products, which include incredible benefits like fixed premiums* and a reduce to zero excess*. T’s and C’s apply.
Source:
1https://www.shell.co.za/motorists/motoring-tips-and-advice/10-safety-tips.html
This article was prepared by Eric Sandmann in his personal capacity. The views and opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own. The views and opinions in the article should not be attributed to anyone but the author unless expressly stated. Nothing in this article should be relied upon as advice, this publication is presented for informational purposes only. No person should act or refrain from acting in reliance on any information found in this article, without first obtaining proper financial advice from the appropriate professional. The author makes no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, or completeness, of any information linked from, referred to, or contained in this article. The author reserves the right, to edit and change the content of this article.