Although everyone knows driving is inherently dangerous and the common activity responsible for the most deaths annually, Some days are more dangerous than others; weekends are associated with an increase in drinking and driving another major element of deadly days on the road is increased driving at night. So, for drivers who are behind the wheel during weekends, it requires more attention to the surrounding hazards. There are some major ways drivers can avoid becoming a statistic.
1: Aim High In Steering
Visibility is essential to safe driving. More than 90% of the information you need to safely operate your vehicle comes from eyesight. You should always look at least 15 seconds or more up the road so that you can make early observations about upcoming driving conditions. By being able to see what’s happening up in front of you, you can get a head start on potential problems and have enough time to safely react. If you see drivers ahead having problems like swerving, or braking unexpectedly, for example, you have 15 seconds of eye lead time to look ahead, assess the road and driving conditions, and get a plan together to safely approach what’s ahead of you.
2: Get The Big picture
When driving conditions deteriorate, anticipate dangerous situations and maintain complete awareness of your surroundings. Retain the proper following distance so that you know the situation around your vehicle. As you’re driving, stay focused on relevant details. Reject any information that’s irrelevant to safe driving. The following distance is one of the most important elements of safe driving. Put at least four seconds between you and the vehicle you are following during good weather. In treacherous weather, you should increase the following distance to give yourself enough visibility and space to make safe decisions and avoid crashes.
3: Keep Your Eyes Moving
Be careful not to fixate on the road. Check your mirrors every five to eight seconds and scan the area ahead and to the sides of your vehicle. When your eyes are moving, you are getting the most accurate information. When you’re not scanning your mirrors, your guard is down. You should also keep your wiper blades fresh, windows and mirrors clean, and clear out all unnecessary distractions inside your car so that you can focus on the road.
4: Leave Yourself An Out
Most drivers travel in packs, and rear-end crashes are the most common type of crash during bad weather. Always maintain control over the vehicle by driving at a slower speed and avoiding sudden braking — especially when visibility is poor. And when you do have to have to turn or brake, do it early so you have plenty of time to slow down.
5: Make Sure They Can See You
Intersections are always more dangerous, so be alert and always be on the lookout for potential hazards. Use your headlights when visibility or traction might be compromised, and use turn signals and brake lights early so you can communicate with other drivers and give them time to react. Avoid driving in other drivers’ blind spots and always give yourself plenty of space when you change lanes.
The best weekend driving strategy is avoiding it, but that isn’t always an option. If getting off the roadway during extreme conditions just isn’t possible, use these practical and advanced driving tips to prevent crashes and stay safe. Be proactive and take control. A little knowledge can make a big difference! The best roadside assistance plans help you deal with unexpected situations, especially ones you may encounter during long road trips far from your accustomed surroundings. Drive Zimbabwe Roadside Assistance is the go-to for your towing needs in the country. We offer a wide range of towing services from recovery, tyre change, jump starts, and more. Get your hands on a DZRA 1-year membership now. Call us or WhatsApp at 0780 579 261/0718 084 297 / 0736 523 424 Office+8677160725 Email:info@drivezim.co.zw http://www.facebook.com/105600827733427