Have you ever noticed that some people just drive really, really crazy?? I understand being in a hurry. But, why drive like you do not care about your car or other drivers on the road?? The most important part of driving is supposed to be to get there safely and NOT CRASH YOUR CAR OR ANYONE ELSE’S. But, I cannot tell you how many times I have seen accidents occur right in front of me. I have seen cars end up in the ditch because the driver was driving like a maniac. I have even witnessed a minivan hit the wall and flip over about 3 cars in front of me. I do not know exactly what caused that one to occur. It was scary!
My kids often ask me if driving is hard. I say, “No. It’s not when you get used to it.” I talk to them about talking driver’s ed, taking the test, taking “range”, and getting their driving permits. There are a lot of rules to follow, and lots of things to remember. But, let’s be honest here… as time goes on we forget a bit, don’t we? Driving becomes so automatic that we just do it. If someone asked us to recite rules we probably couldn’t. But there are a few things that will always remain at the top of our minds, and things that should keep us safe. These are things that I think about each and every time I’m on the road. Because man…. as pointed out above… some people don’t drive all that well!
Accept That You Can’t Control Other Drivers
The first thing to remember is that you cannot control other drivers on the road. There is absolutely nothing you can do about them. What you can do is control your own driving. So, spend less time worrying about what your fellow drivers are doing. Spend more time making sure that you don’t make any mistakes that could lead to crashes or accidents. Now, you do have to pay attention to your surroundings. Watch other drivers closely. If you are in heavy traffic keep a close eye on your rearview mirror to make sure that the car behind you in stopping in time. And by all means, keep an eye on that crazy driver that keeps zooming in and out of traffic. Stay away from them.
But, in the event that something does happen, pull over, contact your insurance agent, exchange information, and if need be contact a car accident attorney.
Control Your Emotions!
I am always telling someone that I will let remind nameless this! I repeat… PEOPLE ARE CRAZY!!! Road rage is one of the most common problems that people face on the road. When you let yourself become angry, you will start to speed and lose control of the car. That’s not a safe way to drive, so learn to control your emotions and your reactions to other drivers. Even if they do something wrong, do not, I repeat, do not overreact. You can’t let yourself show your anger. Unfortunately, we live in a time when people are quick to overreact in the WORSE way. And you never know if that person you are flipping off on the road may be the one. Just don’t let it happen.
Drive with the Flow of Traffic
Here in Chicago heavy traffic and stop and go traffic are a way of life. Don’t be that guy that is trying to zoom in and out of traffic… especially when traffic is not moving. And maintain a nice distance between you and the car in front of you. If everyone would do this, there would be less traffic jams! Besides, constantly stepping on the brakes is not good for your car. On top of that, it can make your driving more erratic and unpredictable. That can worry other drivers and even lead to crashes. Don’t ride the bumper of the car in front of you. No one likes that. Drive at a more steady pace and a safe distance. This will make you less likely to suffer car problems or cause crashes on the road.
Don’t Text and Drive
There have been campaigns against this for quite a few years now. In several states it is against the law to talk on, or use your phone while driving. This is for good reason. Everyone can’t multitask. If you are in traffic behind someone who is playing with their phone you can usually tell. They slow down unexpectedly, they may swerve their car a bit, and you can see them with their head down instead of on the road. And it’s not just about texting. This encompasses browsing Facebook, reading emails, sending tweets… all of that. Do yourself a favor, remove those distractions. Put your phone notification on silent, use a Bluetooth earpiece or connect your phone to your car’s Bluetooth system.
Remember to do your part to keep the roads safe!
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