Safe Driving Pays Off

At lunch the other day one of my friends posed the question, “What steps can be taken to make me a safe driver?” I’ve been thinking about that question since then and then I read an article on the web site for the AAA Foundation For Traffic Safety which I’d like to share with you. Although nothing can make you 100% safe as you cruise the highways and byways of Tennessee these tips might just save a life.

Tips to Being a Heads Up Driver

1. PLAN AHEAD – Read maps and check traffic conditions before you get on the road.

2. STOW ELECTRONIC DEVICES-  Turn off your phone before you drive so you won’t be tempted to use it while on the road. Pull over to a safe place to talk on the phone or to send and receive text messages or emails.

3. PREPARE KIDS AND PETS FOR THE TRIP-  Get the kids safely buckled in and situated with snacks and entertainment before you start driving. If they need additional attention during the trip, pull off the road safely to care for them. Similarly, prepare and secure pets appropriately in your vehicle before getting underway.

4. SATISFY THAT CRAVING OFF THE ROAD-  Eat meals and snacks before getting behind the wheel, or stop to eat and take a break if driving long-distance.

5. STORE LOOSE GEAR AND POSSESSIONS-  Stash away loose objects that could roll around and take your attention away from driving.

6. GET YOUR VEHICLE ROAD-READY-  Adjust seat positions, climate controls, sound systems and other devices before you leave or while your vehicle is stopped.  Make sure your headlights are spotless so you can see everything on the road and every other driver can see you better. Keep your windshield clean and remove dangling objects that could block your view.

7. DRESS FOR SUCCESS – BEFORE YOU GET IN THE CAR-  Your car isn’t a dressing room.  Brush your hair, shave, put on make-up, and tie your necktie before you leave or once you reach your destination.

8. GET YOUR BRAIN IN THE GAME-  Focus on the task at hand, driving safely. Scan the road, use mirrors and practice identifying orally what you just saw to enhance your engagement as a driver. Really focusing on maintaining your thoughts about the road, when you’re on the road, can help you improve your overall awareness and behavior as a driver, and help you see the importance of ‘being in the game.’

9. EVALUATE YOUR OWN BEHAVIOR FROM THE ‘OTHER’ SIDE OF THE ROAD-  When you’re on the road as a passenger or a pedestrian, take a look around and honestly evaluate whether you engage in poor driving behaviors that worry you when observed in other passengers or pedestrians.

Even if you use all of these suggestions there is no guarantee that something bad won’t happen but if each and every one of us would practice these simple safety principles the fatality rates would decrease quickly. If you have teen age drivers think of the example you are showing them.

If you or a loved one is injured in a Tennessee automobile accident you owe it to yourself to take advantage of a free consultation with an experienced Tennessee accident lawyer from Phillip Miller & Associates.