If you’re a motorist, then you already know that a car crash can be tragic, frustrating, devastating, annoying, and take a toll on your life in both the short and long term. But what you may not realize is that it is just as easy to stay out of a bad situation, or get out of a bad situation, as it is to get yourself into one. That’s why it’s important to take the time to learn the different ways in which you can take care of yourself on the road and in your car. Some of these tips may seem a little obvious, but complacency can be a problem for all drivers and you should always check yourself before you wreck…your car.
Make sure you’ve got good driving posture. This may seem a bit out in left field, but the proper posture for driving makes a difference. Your driving posture determines whether you’re able to reach the pedals and hold the steering wheel while sitting far enough away from the airbags to be safe.
Keep your hands in the right position on the steering wheel. Part of safe driving that goes along with posture is keeping your hands both on the wheel at 9 o’clock and 3 o’clock. This will help you make a quick response to a bad situation.
Keep your vehicle in proper working condition. One of the biggest problems for drivers on the road—and that can lead to a bad crash—is having a vehicle that isn’t working right. You can limit your risk of being involved in a crash by ensuring that your brakes are working, and that every other part of your vehicle is working, too.
Pay attention to what’s going on around you so that you can anticipate changes in traffic that might impact your safety or your next move.
Don’t be afraid to judge a car by the way it looks and the way the driver behaves when you’re out on the road. Momma always told you not to judge a book by its cover, but that big semi is actually dangerous in the wind, and that car driving too close to the dividing line might just swerve into your lane.
Your safety is what matters most out on the road, and these tips, however obvious they may seem, can help you keep yourself out of trouble.