Driving Safety Tips

Every year there are many people died of vehicle crashes. One of the main reasons is that they are too careless when driving on the highway.

I. Universal driving safety tips

Before driving, check the operation of different parts of your car, for example, traction and stability control. It is extremely important in bad weather. Besides, you should also pay attention to the following aspects.

1. Be aware of the speed limits

Generally speaking, 70 miles per hour is the maximum speed at daytime on most highways of both interstate and state, while 65 miles per hour is the maximum speed at night. Exceptions always exist. Speed limit might be a little higher in some areas, and might also vary according to different weather and traffic situations.

2. Drive in the correct lane

Right lane on the highway is for entering and exiting. It is also the most commonly used lane. When seeing traffic in the lane, you should adjust your speed in order to reduce the possibility of collision. You can also switch into the middle lane when you are absolutely sure that you will not cause accident.

Middle lane is used when there is heavy traffic.

Left lane is for passing. When you switch your lane, remember to double check the passing cars. Taking advantage of rearview mirror plus visual observation will ensure right judgment.

Last but not least, don't change your lane while you are on-ramp or at the U-turn.

3. Share road with trucks

As we all know, trucks are very heavy and usually hard to stop, so it is very necessary to know how to keep safe when driving near trucks.

When following a truck, you should keep a certain distance from it. Be more careful if you want to pass the vehicle, for example, after passing it, you'd better not move back to your lane immediately. When you can see the truck's headlights in the rearview mirror, it will be safe to return to the lane. When the trunk is backing up, it may be very dangerous if you cross behind it.

4. Have a rest

After long time driving, you may feel tired and dizzy. In such condition you should have a rest, otherwise, it will be perilous to yourself and other drivers. Here we list two good suggestions.

You'd better avoid driving at midnight or your ordinary sleeping time.

If you can't focus because of tiredness, you can stop and take some rest to stretch your legs and arms, or drink some coffee.

5. Drive with your headlights on at night

With the headlight is on, it not only lights up the road, but also gives other drivers a hint that you are driving behind him.

6. Check oil and other fluid levels when you re-fuel

Every time when you re-fuel the vehicle, remember to examine other fluid levels. If somewhere is leaking, you should fix it immediately.

7. Focus on driving

Chatting and making a phone call can lead to distraction. You are lucky if you haven't encountered any accident until now. Fortune doesn't always smile on you. Give up the bad driving habit.

8. Never drive when you are drunk

9. Listen to traffic report on the radio

It tells you where traffic jam or accident happened and how to change your route. You can also call the radio station to ask for help when you are in trouble.

10. Pay extra attention to cars around and traffic lights when you are at intersection

II. Driving in bad weather

A. General consideration

1. If possible, don't drive, especially at night.

2. Check the operation and cleanness of brake, mirrors, windowshield, wiper blades, defroster and more before driving.

3. Examine the condition of tires. Change the tire which is balding or worn because your car need enough traction during bad weather. Make sure all the tires have enough air.

4. Don't drive too fast or too slow. Adjust your speed to match with others around.

5. Don't forget to fasten seatbelt.

6. Don't brake abruptly, slow down gradually.

7. Try to avoid switching lanes unless you are quite certain about the safety.

8. Turn your headlight on even if it is in the day.

9. Keep larger distance from the front car. 2-5 car length is necessary in the bad weather.

10. Be more careful when you cross bridges or overpasses.

B. Drive in snowy weather

1. If you need to go out at night, please consider going with others together.

2. Install suitable tire chains. If they are not in your affordability, you can try to make some by yourself.

3. Change normal tire to snow tire if conditions allow.

4. Mix water with antifreeze in your radiator if necessary.

5. Make sure you know how to deal with the car when you skid. For instance, it may be improper for you to put down hard on brake while skidding.

C. Drive in fog

1. Reduce the noise in the car as much as possible since you can use your hearing to make judgment instead of using the poor visibility.

2. Turn all your lights on to enhance visibility.

3. If you want to stop, it may be better to park in a safe area with flasher on and lights off.

D. Drive in rainy day

1. Avoid flooding roads. If impossible, follow other cars to judge the depth of water. Generally speaking, if water is more than 6 inches deep, you should drive your car to a higher ground and ask for help.

2. Be careful about the passing cars because they will cause spray.

3. If possible and safe enough, change to the middle lane because middle lane is always higher than other lanes.

4. Don't yank your steering wheel in order to avoid collision and other accidents if your car unfortunately aquaplanes.

5. Driving abroad

Before you go, check your passports.

Get familiar with rules of the road of your destination country since different country may have different rules.

Buy a map or install a GPS device.

When parking your vehicle, make sure all the windows are closed.

Don't pick up strangers.

Driving needs caution and preparation, especially in terrible conditions. When driving, think about your family and others' safety. You will lose your life if you continue driving dangerously.