It is understood that driving is an inherently dangerous activity. Hurtling to your destination in a metal box surrounded by other metal boxes has been normalized and formalized. There are ways of keeping safe on the road. Remembering simple tips can help you to stay in one piece.
1. Stay Sober
Alcohol and drug impaired driving have seen a sharp increase in Canada during the pandemic. It is common knowledge that getting behind the wheel when under the influence is an incredibly poor idea. Any impairment makes driving very dangerous indeed. It is also worth considering the financial penalties for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
If you have any driving convictions or cautions, companies like kbdinsurance.com will adjust your insurance quote accordingly and you will end up paying more money than your safer fellow drivers.
2. Check Your Tires
Low tire pressure can be very dangerous. Underinflated tires have less grip on the road, are more prone to punctures and can suffer burnouts during fast travel. Check your car manual to see the optimal tire type and pressure for your vehicle and make sure to test your tires every single month. It is also worth checking the tread and sidewall. If either show signs of cracking or extreme wear, then you are going to need to get a new tire fixed.
Tires are relatively cheap. You don’t need to go for a big brand name to get a safe tire – just make sure that it has an adequate amount of tread. Canadian weather can be famously fickle. Purchase some snow tires for the harsh winter.
3. Check Your brakes
Brake pads wear down over time, and the fluid that connects them to your brake pedal can leak and cause inconsistent braking. To test your brakes, find a safe area and drive slowly forwards. Press the brake pedal gently down. If the car lurches to one side, then one or more of your brake pads may be worn or one of your brake lines may have a leak.
It is imperative that you take your car to the mechanics as soon as you notice uneven braking. If uneven brakes are used in an emergency, it can lead to a loss of control.
4. Avoid Your Phone
Mobile phone use has been connected to thousands of accidents on the road. While mobile phones are useful for satellite navigation purposes, they prove more distracting than useful in the majority of cases. Anything that can divert your attention from the road is a danger. If you must speak on the phone, make sure that you are using a hands-free device instead of holding the phone to your ear. You need to have both hands free and both eyes on the road ahead.
5. Maintain Patience
A simple lack of patience has been the cause of many an accident. The road can be a frustrating place. Losing your cool, however, can mean you lose your life. The red mist and rationality are uneasy bedfellows.
Also read: A Common Piece of Advice in Life is: “Be Careful, Drive Safely
