Know these key defensive driving techniques if you are traveling this festival season

KATHMANDU, Sept 30: Road accidents are one of the factors causing the most deaths in young people and children. Still, a lot of individuals engage in reckless driving, injuring others or even themselves. 

Dashain and Tihar vacations are here. It is a season of festivals when a lot of people travel and visit their relatives. Every year hundreds of people die in road accidents during this time. News media are flooded with the news of accidents. 

But it’s always best to avoid getting injured in an accident rather than having to go through the process of fighting for compensation. That being said, here are some defensive driving techniques that will help you stay safe on the road. 

1. Be Focused on the Road

Perhaps one of the best things you can do while you’re on the road is to stay focused. You shouldn’t let anything, and anyone distract you, whether that’s the person sitting in the passenger seat or your phone notifications. 

What matters the most is the road in front of you and your driving technique. You shouldn’t start daydreaming or staring at the attractive person on the sidewalk. And if you feel tired, you should pull over and rest instead of putting yourself at risk. 

No matter what, stay focused and don’t do anything that could distract you.

2. Make Sure You’re Alert

Another great defensive driving technique is to be alert at all times. To be more explicit, you should be able to quickly react to anything that comes your way – whether that’s the car in front of you suddenly stopping or a child or animal running across the road unexpectedly. 

Not only that, but you should not be drinking alcohol or consuming any drugs while on the road. This should go without saying, as it’s common knowledge that it’s illegal and dangerous. But alcohol and drugs can affect your reaction time – that is why you should not drive unless you are sober.

3. Always Respect Speed Limits

Speed limits are there for a reason – to increase the safety of everyone involved. So, if an area requires lower speed, you should always respect this. Sure, sometimes it may be safe to speed up, but you may be wrong, and you could endanger others or even yourself. 

No matter if you are in a rush or not, only drive within the speed limit, and consider the weather condition at the same time.

4. Never Drive in Another Car’s Blind Spot

When you are on the road, you should never assume that the other driver will check their blind spot.

This is exactly why you should never be in another car’s blind spot. It can put your life at risk.

5. Be Aware of Your Surroundings

While it is crucial to pay attention to your driving activity and the road in front of you, it is also essential to be aware of your surroundings. You should scan the area far ahead, so you could discover possible dangers that may be there, such as obstacles on the road. 

At the same time, you should take advantage of the mirrors. They will allow you to see what is happening behind you and whether the situation back there is dangerous, and you should start being cautious.

6. Keep the Distance

Don’t tailgate the car in front of you. Instead, maintain a two-second distance. This gives you time to react if they suddenly hit the brakes. 

Basically, this distance is the only one you have control of. Keep some space between you and the other cars, and you might prevent disastrous situations.

7. Don’t Participate in Road Rage

Road conditions can make some drivers feel angry at the other road participants, which may cause them to lash out. They may even have a problem with you and start honking excessively. 

Even if another driver tries to provoke you, it is best to stay away from road rage situations so you can make it out without a physical altercation. Don’t even make eye contact with these people and keep driving at your own pace. 

The Bottom Line

Learning a few defensive driving skills might help you avoid getting into car accidents. This will save you from physical and mental trauma and ensure you don’t have to go through a personal injury case. Consider the techniques presented in this article and you’ll have a safer journey as a driver.