Driving is a life skill and something that everyone has a responsibility to do well. It requires proactive behavior and good moral decision making skills.
One of many misconceptions regarding collisions is the thought that there’s always a “mistake” or that driving collisions are “accidents” hence the terminology often used, e.g “car accident”. Here at TL2D we do not believe in that term, and instead label these incidents for what they are, collisions, driving fatalities and/or driving under the influence. These all share a common theme, and that theme is the attitude and behavior that needs to change behind the wheel.
Here are some reminders and tips for all drivers to add to their repertoire.
Sharing the road
- Obey traffic rules/laws
When driving (young or not), you are required by law to obey all traffic rules. Doesn’t matter if you see others disobeying, or consistently doing something. This means regardless of what others are doing, doing what is right, because it is the law. This means wearing your seat belt and ensuring you do not begin driving with others not wearing their seat belt. This also means avoiding distractions by putting your phone on silent and do-not disturb when driving as it is not worth the risk.
- Give more headway
Ultimately this involves observing speed limits, and leaving a buffer of space between you and other vehicles. The higher your speed, the less time you have to stop your car, and the worse any impact and subsequent injuries will likely be. Braking distance increases exponentially at speeds over 40 km/h.
- Don’t tailgate!
Remember: if the car in front of you slams on their brakes and you rear-end them, it could mean a ticket for you or a lawsuit. It is also the law to maintain a full car’s length in front of you when driving.
Car
- Keep your car in good shape
It’s your responsibility to make sure your vehicle is roadworthy. (Check out Part One of ‘Advice to Young Drivers’ for maintenance tips.)
Driver
- Watch the weather projections
This is very easy to do by checking the weather online on your phone, computer, or even on television. The news is also projected in newspapers a week in advance, though the reliability of that is not as consistent as the live updates provided online (on the weather network for example)
- Avoid being blinded by high beams
When being blinded by oncoming traffic high beam lights it is imperative to look to the opposite side of where the lights are coming from, and try to focus on the yellow lines on your side of the road. There is also the option of wearing night glasses
