There are undoubtedly more vehicles on America’s roads today than ever before. According to Statista, about 276 million vehicles were registered in the US in 2020. Driving a car is a significant responsibility all motorists should be serious about because even the most careful drivers can be involved in crashes. Fortunately, there’s a lot you can do to remain cautious behind the wheel. Here are some tips to help you become a more responsible driver.
- Prepare for emergencies
You can never predict when a car breakdown, tire puncture, or accident will occur, so a responsible driver should always be prepared. As such, invest in quality jumper cables, spare tires, and other essential repair tools that will come in handy in these emergencies. Furthermore, put together a winter road safety kit to help you survive the freezing weather when road conditions are particularly dangerous in months like December, January, and February. This kit will come in handy because keeping warm when your car breaks down during these months is a top priority besides simply getting it back up and running.
- Obtain proper insurance coverage
It is essential to carry and maintain proper insurance coverage on your vehicle as a responsible driver. Indeed, it is so vital for responsible driving that you are required to carry an active vehicle insurance policy in 49 out of the 50 states across the country. You can sign up for a great liability insurance policy to protect other drivers and their properties when you cause accidents. This way, you can take full responsibility for accidents that were your fault, instead of leaving the victims to shoulder car damage costs and other expenses.
- Maintain your car properly
A car is one of the biggest purchases you will ever make, but it is hardly an investment. Unlike a home, your car is a depreciating asset that loses much of its value over time. Therefore, you contribute to your vehicle’s deterioration anytime you take it on the road. Luckily, being a responsible car owner through proper maintenance can help you extend your vehicle’s value. Consequently, never wait past the due date for a tire rotation or oil change to keep your car in peak condition. Also, frequently track your car battery’s expiration date and ensure that all dashboard lights, power windows, and mirrors work perfectly.
Furthermore, prevent your gas from running down to near-empty levels through timely refills. It is not advisable to run your car on a near-empty gas tank as there would be no way to lubricate the gas pump, increasing the chances of your engine overheating. Finally, take your car to the nearest mechanic or repair shop immediately if you notice anything unusual instead of taking chances.
- Don’t multitask while driving
The National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that distracted driving is responsible for about 3,000 deaths and 280,000 injuries annually. Driving demands a lot of concentration, so it is best to focus entirely on it when behind the wheel. Cellphones are undoubtedly the biggest distractors of many drivers. As such, you can simply refrain from using your mobile phone while driving. Also, you can download apps that prevent you from texting or answering calls while driving. Furthermore, use hands-free devices only when calls are extremely important. In addition, avoid doing activities such as combing your hair or reaching out for something in the backseat while driving to keep your focus on the road.
- Don’t drink and drive
It is estimated that about 28% of all road fatalities are alcohol-related. Therefore, drinking and driving are the worst combinations for all drivers. Alcohol impairs your reaction ability, affects coordination, and lowers your inhibition. The most intoxicating drinks can even cause double vision and total blackouts. As such, it is an arduous task to remain focused behind the wheel while intoxicated. Consequently, avoid all types of alcohol while driving to prevent accidents that may harm you and others.
- Obey speed limits
You can readily identify irresponsible drivers by how often they go beyond the acceptable speed limits or overtake. It is no wonder that multiple studies have established that speed is a leading cause of road carnage. It takes a longer distance and time to bring your car to a halt when speeding, limiting your ability for split-second reactions that prevent accidents. Therefore, always remember that you share the road with other motorists and pedestrians, and you must drive responsibly to keep yourself and others safe. Also, the thrill is less important than life while driving, so obey all speed limits and avoid overtaking to reduce your risk of getting into accidents.