Driving Safely: Tips on How to Be a Better Driver at Any Stage of Life
Blog post by Jim Vogel of ElderAction.org / Photo via Pixabay
Driving safely is a skill that everyone needs to know — even people who have been on the road for decades can sometimes forget how to focus when they’re behind the wheel. Many of us have felt distracted by our phones, passengers, music, or outside factors. Or, perhaps you’ve been surprised by bad weather that makes safe driving difficult. These things are common causes of accidents, and with so many people on the road, it’s imperative to obey the same rules.
Fortunately, there are some simple things you can do to make sure you stay safe behind the wheel, regardless of your age or experience. One way to boost your driving skills is to get familiar with your auto insurance, as well as the rules of the road in your area. If you’re sure of what’s covered by your policy and what isn’t, you’ll be more likely to keep a wary eye on the road.
Driving safely doesn’t just help you; it keeps everyone else on the road safe, as well. Here are a few tips on how to be a better driver at any stage of life and become a better traveler.
Get to Know Your Insurance Policy
Being familiar with everything your insurance policy covers will help you remember how to follow the rules of the road. Read up and find out exactly what you can expect should you get into an accident or cause damage to another car; for example, does your car insurance cover repairs? Will it cover medical bills after an accident? Some policies only cover repairs to the car itself and won’t pay for damage to, say, the garage door if you back out too soon and hit it. Full-coverage insurance usually includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage. How much you pay for car insurance will vary based on your vehicle type, driving record, location, and credit score, among other factors.
If you need to purchase insurance or are looking to upgrade your current coverage, talk to a TCG Insurance Solutions professional today who can find you an auto insurance policy tailored to your needs and budget.
Protect Your Vehicle
Along with purchasing insurance, you’ll need to protect your vehicle from theft and damage. If you’re parking your car on the street, look for a well-lit area. Make sure your windows are closed and install a car alarm if you don’t have one. Smart Motorist recommends the Viper 350 PLUS alarm system due to its level of sensitivity, good quality, and affordability.
If you’re driving your vehicle outside the U.S., you should have a plan in place in case your valuables are stolen. For example, if you’re traveling in Mexico and need to connect with friends or family about sending you money, a money transfer service like Remitly offers secure fund transfers to over 40,000 cash pickup locations in the country. Also, the sender won’t be charged a fee if they send more than $500.
Form Better Habits
Most of us could use safer driving habits, from the distractions we allow in the car to the way we view driving under the influence of substances. It’s not all about drugs and alcohol; driving when you’re overly tired or have taken prescription medication can be dangerous, too. Think about the ways you can form better driving habits (a defensive driving course, for example) and make some small changes to your lifestyle in order to ensure your safety on the road. Some lifestyle changes that can improve focus include exercising more frequently, improving sleeping habits, and eating healthy.
Remove Distractions
Distracted driving can be dangerous for people of any age, but teens are typically the most at risk because they don’t have the experience that other drivers do. If you’re a new driver, or if someone you love is learning to drive, take the time to think about removing distractions and what a benefit it can be. This might include keeping music at a reasonable volume, keeping your phone turned off or out of reach, or limiting passengers.
Learn How to Drive in Any Weather
Weather conditions can have a big impact on the way you drive, so it’s a good idea to learn how to navigate in them no matter where you live. Rain, snow, ice, and fog, for instance, are the most common weather patterns you’ll face, and they all require a bit of finesse behind the wheel. It’s important to make sure you’re in a vehicle that you’re accustomed to and are comfortable driving when the weather is bad, as well. If you’ve only driven a car, don’t borrow a friend’s truck or SUV — even if it’s only to make a quick run to the store down the block. This is especially important for less experienced drivers, such as teens.
Driving safely doesn’t just affect you and your vehicle; it affects everyone on the road. By making small changes to your habits and ensuring that you understand the rules and laws of the road, you can take steps to make yourself a better driver no matter what the conditions are.
We hope you found our tips useful on Driving Safely: Tips on How to Be a Better Driver at Any Stage of Life.
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