With warm weather, we’re all trying to relax as best we can, wherever we can. Unfortunately, some people can take this a little too far, and find themselves incredibly distracted when in the driver’s seat. Not only that, but with heat exhaustion a possibility, some drivers could be making even worse decisions. It’s your job not only to avoid that happening to you, but to drive in such a way that keeps you and your passengers protected, in addition to the distracted party. Here are five defensive driving concepts to keep in mind this summer.
It seems like the most obvious thing, but simply making sure you have a visual awareness of your physical surroundings – including keeping an eye on your mirrors, especially when making turns – is a huge part of defensive driving. You can’t move in response to a dangerous vehicle or safely avoid an obstacle in the middle of the road without practicing diligence in awareness of the cars and road around you.
Speeding is not only not great for your gas mileage, but it’s unsafe. You should pay attention to road conditions, as well, as that technically reduces the ideal speed limit, since speed limits are meant to apply to the road, traffic and weather being in ideal condition. Rarely is that the case, all at once. Also, the faster you are going, the harder it is to stop quickly, which is necessary to avoid some accidents.
Depend on yourself first, as you can never be certain what anyone else can do. Don’t assume other cars will be “the safe one,” when it is safer and smarter to always try to be the smartest driver on the road. The more people who practice this way of the thinking, the more accidents we can avoid overall.
Whether it’s playing music or podcasts, or a phone that won’t stop dinging, keep your distractions to a minimum. Also, never engage with a phone while in the middle of driving – always pull over somewhere safe before taking or making a call from your car. Keep your music or podcasts down while driving, at least low enough that you can hear cars or motorcycles that might sneak up on you or be in distress.
Keeping an eye on your road and your route are important to not only avoid delays, but avoid accidents. Have an awareness of upcoming stops to pull over, or ways to switch your route, or spots on the road to avoid or head to in case of an emergency.
You can only be responsible for your own driving, but you can also help prevent accidents by other people who haven’t taken responsible for their unsafe driving. Driving defensively simply is a matter of being awake, aware and practicing avoidance. Keeping your distance and planning your routes is always the safest option for a good defensive driver to take.
blogs
Workman’s Compensation — Beyond Physical Accidents
Every year in California, we see workman’s compensation claims that stem from traumatic injuries, accidents, and even accumulative physical strain. But what about the more subtle effects that can harm employees over time? Let’s take a look at toxic exposure in the workplace and what it means for you as an employee. If we are […]
Understanding California’s Lemon Law
Under California’s Lemon Law, you are protected as a consumer when a vehicle you have purchased is deemed defective and cannot be repaired after a reasonable number of repair attempts. This helps keeps dangerous vehicles off the road, leads you with legal recourse if you are sold a faulty vehicle, and helps get you back […]
Stay Safe in Hybrid and Electric Vehicles
In the history of cars, hybrids and plug-in electric vehicles are still essentially brand-new. With new technology comes a new way to look at transportation. This includes an eye toward safety – anything new in automobiles is going to require a new understanding of how they work, what the dangers are, and how to maintain […]
Five Pedestrian Accident Facts
Some numbers have Arizona as the most dangerous state in the U.S. when it comes to pedestrians. They are in the most danger by simply being outnumbered, which means accidents are likely to rise as the number of automobiles on the road continues to rise. It is important for you to not only understand how […]
Dealing with Dog Bites
Dog bites, dog attacks and maulings by dogs are a problem the world over. Sometimes these injuries can be fatal. They tend to affect children most (most children have been bitten by a dog they know by age 11), but can happen to anyone. It can be helpful to understand some techniques for avoiding dog […]
Who is Liable if an Airbag Fails to Deploy During a Car Accident?
An airbag is an automobile device designed to inflate rapidly during an automobile collision. The airbag prevents a person from hitting their face on the dashboard or steering wheel. They’re customarily hidden but inflate instantly when a crash begins. When Are Airbags Supposed to Deploy? As soon as the Airbags work by inflating vehicle starts […]
Five Products for Increased Bicycle Safety
Bicycle accidents are unfortunately increasingly common in both California and Arizona, causing many to seek damages to compensate for their losses. Defensive driving and being aware of your surroundings are the best tools for safety, as is making sure your bicycle is properly maintained, making sure to wear a helmet, and obeying all street laws […]
Do Lemon Laws Apply in Auto Dealer Frauds
You’ve recently bought your dream car but can’t shake off the feeling that you just got swindled. Despite the dealer marketing it as a brand new vehicle, it has been exhibiting major defects you hardly expected. Many buyers fall prey to auto dealer frauds which can be costly especially if you’re financing a loan to […]
Purchase or Replace a Lemon Car? Californian Lemon laws Relating to the Decisions
If your vehicle meets the Californian lemon law requirements, you have the right to ask for a car replacement or monetary compensation from the manufacturer. For financial compensation, the manufacturer is required to restore the buyer to their original position. However, if you prefer a car replacement, the manufacturer compensates you with a similar vehicle. […]
Car Specific Repair Issues: When to Invoke California’s Lemon Laws and How RS Laws Can Help
Car specific problems are the leading cause of recalls by most automakers and dealers globally. Last year, for instance, over 20,000 units of Volkswagen Golf MK.8 were recalled because of a software bug. Earlier this year, Volvo stated that they were planning to issue a recall for some of their cars. How do such car […]
contact form
