5 Good Driving Habits Every Driver Should Adopt

Getting behind the wheel of a car bears considerable responsibility. A simple mistake can result in an accident that may cause severe injury or even death in just a split second. You can do your part to prevent these accidents by practicing good driving habits. So, whether you’ve been driving for years or still learning the ropes, here are five good driving habits you should practice to avoid visits to auto repair shops.

Avoid Distractions

Distractions while driving are one of the major causes of accidents. Most incidents of road rage are also attributed to drivers being distracted. This can range from texting or talking on a cell phone to fiddling with the radio and eating while driving. Any of the mentioned activities take your focus off the road, increasing the likelihood of getting into an accident. So, always keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel. If you have to pick up or make an urgent call, be sure to pull over to the side of the road first. You can also always have the passenger driver make a call or send a text message for you.

Obey Traffic Laws and Signs

This one is pretty self-explanatory. Traffic laws and signs are put in place to guide the driver and ensure the safety of everyone on the road. Unfortunately, many motorists ignore these rules, especially when they think no one is watching. But whether there are traffic cameras around or not, it’s always best to play by the book. Not only will this help avoid accidents, but you’ll also avoid getting costly tickets. You never want to get into a possible accident where you are at fault, and you never know where cop cars may be hidden on the side of the road. Always following laws and signs will ensure you don’t get ticketed. Also, remember to brush up on your road signs and traffic laws knowledge from time to time so you don’t commit an inadvertent violation.

Perform Routine Car Maintenance

Aside from ensuring the safety of the driver and passengers, keeping up with routine car maintenance also helps avoid accidents. A well-maintained car is less likely to experience mechanical problems while on the road, which reduces the chances of breakdowns and other roadside emergencies. You should regularly do basic checks such as checking the oil level, coolant level and tire pressure. You should also take your car to a reputable auto shop for routine maintenance, such as getting oil replacements. A good shop will check your monitorable fluid levels for you no charge. Also, don’t wait for your car to give you trouble before taking it to an expert mechanic. Have it checked out immediately if you notice any strange noises or behavior. It will save you money, time, and a whole lot of stress in the long run.

Practice Defensive Driving

Defensive driving is driving in a way that anticipates other drivers’ mistakes. This means always being on the lookout for potential hazards and being ready to react accordingly. For instance, allow enough space between you and the car in front of you if they suddenly hit the brakes. Or, if you see a vehicle swerving in and out of their lane, slow down and give them space. By practicing defensive driving, you can avoid getting into accidents caused by the negligence or recklessness of other vehicles. It will also go a long way to improve your driving skills and shield you against possible incidences of road rage.

Stick to the Speed Limits

Speeding is one of the most common causes of accidents. When you’re driving above the speed limit or way below the speed limit, you put yourself at risk and everyone else on the road at risk. Speeding reduces your reaction time, making it difficult for you to brake or swerve out of the way in case of an emergency. It also increases the impact and severity of an accident should one occur. Also, remember that driving too slow when there is no weather hazard can also cause accidents. So, always stick to the speed limit, even if you’re in a hurry. After all, it’s better to arrive late than not at all.

What Are the Leading Causes of Accidents on the Road?

Some of the leading causes of accidents in the U.S. and the world include:

Speeding

Driving beyond the speed limit is one of the most common causes of accidents. When you’re going above the speed limit, you put all the lives on the road at risk.

Drunk Driving

Another leading cause of accidents is drunk driving. Never get behind the wheel if you’ve been drinking, even if you think you can still drive safely. The same is true if you’re under the influence of other intoxicants.

Distracted Driving

Texting, talking on the cell phone, eating, drinking, and other forms of distracted driving are also significant causes of accidents. When you’re behind the wheel, always keep your eyes on the road and avoid distractions.

Reckless Driving

Reckless and aggressive driving, which includes tailgating and changing lanes without looking, is also a leading cause of accidents. Drive safely and always be aware of your surroundings by avoiding bad driving habits.

Disobeying Traffic Laws

Disobeying traffic rules, such as running a red light or stop sign, is a common cause of accidents. Always obey the road laws to avoid accidents, especially during heavy traffic.

What Are the Elements of Defensive Driving?

The elements of defensive driving habits include:

Awareness – Always be aware of your surroundings and never assume that other drivers will obey the traffic laws.

Anticipation – Be ready to react to any potential hazards on the road such as bad weather.

Avoidance – When you drive defensively and see a potential hazard, take measures to avoid it.

Your Local Auto Repair Professionals at Steve’s Imports

When it comes to taking care of your import, Steve’s Imports is the place to go. From preventative maintenance to repair services, our ASE-certified technicians use their expertise to provide solid diagnosis and complete repair services on time. With us, you don’t need to be an automotive guru; our team will walk you through every step and explain exactly what needs attention on your car. So if you want high quality service for your import vehicle, contact Steve’s Imports now for immediate assistance!

Other auto services we provide:

• Foreign Vehicle Repairs
• Full-Service Auto Repair
• Import Services
• Diagnostic Services
• European Car Services
• Preventive Maintenance
• Engine Rebuilds

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