Here is a list of simple recommendations to put in everyone’s hands! Some advice seems obvious but could avoid the majority of accidents observed daily by accident news, if they were effectively followed.
No drinking and driving.
No risky behavior (and punishable by law) while driving: pick up the phone, read, eat, drink or smoke while driving.
Maintain your vehicle regularly. Respect the manufacturer’s maintenance recommendations and pay special attention to the condition of your vehicle’s tires (wear, inflation, etc.)
Do not enter the vicious circle of aggressiveness behind the wheel. It is sometimes difficult but it is always better to ignore the aggressiveness of other drivers and to refrain from overbidding, whatever the circumstances. In case of manifest abuse, you can always notify the police.
Respect the minimum safety distances, especially on motorways, using the ground markings specifically provided for this purpose on the right of the road.
Strive to maintain a constant speed, without permanent deceleration or acceleration. This will allow you to reduce your fuel consumption.
Check your mirrors before hitting the road and keep an eye on them at all times.
If you can, take driving lessons from specialized training centers, sometimes offered by your insurer. You will be surprised to discover the many tips to drive better every day and to adopt the right reflexes in case of unexpected behavior of other motorists.
Be extremely careful at road intersections. The crossroads are responsible for countless daily accidents. As they approach, look left then right, then again to your left before committing.
Always inquire about traffic conditions and ensure that your vehicle is clearly visible to other drivers. Always turn on your lights at dusk and in the event of precipitation. Have the basics of the “behavior of your vehicle” in circulation explained to you so that you can, for example, regain control in the event of a skid.
Reduce distractions
Among the various possible causes of accidents, it is important to cite distractions while driving. At all times of the day, it is essential to be well focused on the road in order to get from point A to point B safely. Whether you are distracted because the children are bickering in the back seat or because you are tired, it is better to stop and resolve the situation than to risk having an accident.
Particular attention must be paid to fatigue at the wheel: it is better to stop to rest and get back on the road later than to challenge fatigue. It is also not recommended to drive at night and during periods when your body is usually at rest.
In order to reduce the risk of distracted driving, it is recommended to keep your eyes on the road, your hands on the steering wheel and not to have your head “elsewhere”.
Respect the rules
For everyone’s safety, it is essential to respect road safety rules such as speed limits. By exceeding the limit, you expose yourself to an increased risk of accident and compromise your safety and that of others. The same goes for impaired driving. Do not drive if you exceed the alcohol limit. Rather, consider appointing a driver, using a taxi, or taking public transportation.
Adopt good driving habits
When driving a vehicle, make sure you are always visible to other motorists and keep a reasonable distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you. By keeping a good distance, you increase the chance that your reaction time will be sufficient in the event of a problem.
It is recommended to keep a distance equivalent to three seconds from the vehicle in front of you while referring to a fixed object, such as a lamp post. If you are calculating less than three seconds, increase your distance as you are following the vehicle ahead too closely. Also, if road conditions are difficult, increase the distance between the vehicle in front of you and yours to at least five seconds. This will reduce your risk of being involved in an accident.