Reduce distractions
Distracted driving is one the possible causes of an accident. It is important to always focus on the road when driving, to make sure you get from point A to point B safely. Whether you are distracted by your kids fighting in the back seat or by fatigue, it is better to stop and resolve the situation than to risk being in an accident.
The main causes of distracted driving include:
- Smoking
- Cell phone use
- Eating
- Fatigue
- Children
Specifically regarding fatigue: it is better to stop and rest than to drive while fatigued. It is not advised to drive at night or during periods when your body is usually at rest.
To reduce the risks of distracted driving, it is advised to keep your eyes on the road, your hands on the wheel and to focus on driving (not have your head in the clouds).
Respect the rules of the road
For everyone’s safety, it is essential to respect road safety rules, like speed limits. By speeding, you are at an increased risk of being in an accident and you put your safety and the safety of your passengers at risk. The same goes for driving while impaired. Do not get behind the wheel if you are over the legal blood alcohol limit. Instead, choose a designated driver, call a taxi or take public transit.
Adopt good driving behaviours
When driving a vehicle, make sure that you are always visible to other drivers and keep a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front of you. This will increase your chances of having enough reaction time in case something happens.
It is recommended to keep a distance equivalent to three seconds between you and the vehicle in front of you, by using a fixed point of reference, like a lamp post. If you calculate less than three seconds, increase your distance, as you are following the other vehicle too closely. Also, if road conditions are bad, increase this distance even more, to at least five seconds. This will reduce your risk of being in an accident.