Safer Driver Safer Life

Safer Driver Safer Life

It’s no secret that driving is very liberating for a lot of people. But with this liberty there are responsibilities to uphold so everyone can keep those liberties. Some people, whether on purpose or on accident, take these freedoms for granted and may put themselves and other people in harm’s way. This can be due to animals, weather conditions, or just ignorance. Either way I would like to use this essay as a way to share and inform people on how to be a safer driver.

Animals are unpredictable and can be hard to spot when going through rural areas. Do you know what to do if you see a deer in the middle or side of the road? If a deer is in the middle of the road, slow down or even stop if the deer does not show signs of moving, wait for it to pass and move along slowly while looking to see if it is traveling in a pack with other deer. If the deer is on the side of the road make sure to slow down as you approach and continue passing while being cautious as it may try to jump in front of you. If you do not see a deer and one jumps out at you and you cannot slow down in time do not swerve to try and get around as you may hit a tree or get stuck in a ditch. The best option is to try and brake as fast as you can. You may hit the deer but it is better than getting into a wreck with a tree.

Pedestrians can be unpredictable as well but gladly they mostly follow the rules. If you see a car parked on the side of the road in a rural or urban area the best course of action is to continue at a normal speed. Be wary of people moving in front of the car or people opening doors to get out of their car. In a rural area if there is no one in the opposite lane then try and go around the parked person to give them room. If you are in an urban area try to give room as well. However if that is not possible then it is safest to just come to a stop. In urban areas, always keep an eye out for pedestrians. Always watch for kids in suburban areas as kids may not be looking. And check for people crossing when driving in urban areas.

Weather conditions gladly can be very predictable but that doesn’t mean it’s any safer. The safest thing to do is to be prepared before you drive, check what the weather is like and how it will be later in the day. If it is below freezing outside, turn on your car 30 seconds before you leave to warm up your car. If it’s raining, check the traction on your tires. Also if weather conditions are really bad, like there’s ice, puddles, or if visibility is low. If you think it’s too dangerous, maybe it’s better to stay home instead. Watch for winds 40mph and up as it will not be safe to drive. In places with limited visibility remember to turn on your High beams to see better. Make sure your windshield works also before heading out into a storm.

Car maintenance should always be checked on. Keeping a car in peak condition is the best way to make sure that you are safe. Check tire pressure, get your oil changed on time, and replace windshield wipers when they become faulty. If you don’t you could make your car face irreparable damage and you will need to get a new car. It’s also just good to know how to fix a car by yourself. It’ll save you a lot of money, but some things will need to get replaced by a mechanic. Changing your tires and brake fluid might be the difference between just missing that deer and going through it.

In conclusion, while driving is very liberating it’s important that we understand the responsibilities that come with that freedom. And sadly some people take these freedoms for granted and make bad decisions, are ill informed on what to do, or do not know how to do it properly. I’m glad that at least you have decided to keep yourself informed for the safety of not only yourself but others on the road. Thank you for letting me share this information with you.