Road accidents remain a leading cause of death across the globe. Unfortunately, several factors can lead to collisions, from speeding and reckless driving to driving under the influence, driving without a license, and others. These offenses will all work against your driving record according to the Alberta demerit points list and road safety laws.
Beyond maintaining a good driving record, safe driving habits will also reduce your chances of being involved in a collision.
Here are a few helpful defensive driving tips to keep you and other drivers safe on the roads.
Yield When In Doubt
If you’re not too sure who has the right of way, it’s best to stay on the side of caution and yield. Moreover, if you have the right of way and another motorist seems to disagree, let it go. It’s better to lose a minute or two of your time than risk a potential accident.
Always Stop On Red
The primary cause of intersection accidents is skipping the red light. In some cases, drivers skip red lights due to lack of attention, while in others, speeding or reckless driving is the cause. Instead of rushing to your destination and deciding it’s okay to skip one red light, rather stop on red to prevent a collision.
Keep The Buffer Space
The number one cause of rear-end collisions is tailgating. And if you’re tailgating another driver and a collision occurs, you’ll have to fit the bill for all the damages. Always keep a safe following distance as a buffer between you and the other motorists on the road. The recommended safe following distance of two seconds lead time in good weather and three to four seconds in bad weather.
Prepare For Snow
In snowy weather, slow down and consider using snow chains if you notice snow gathering on main roads and highways. However, avoid using snow chains on ice. If icy roads are common in your area, it’s best to invest in snow tires and avoid using cruise control.
Respond Safely To Tailgators
While you should avoid tailgating, you might find yourself in situations where another motorist is tailgating you. In these situations, increase the following distance between your car and the one in front of you. Then, gradually decrease your speed to less than the speed of all surrounding traffic, and move into a right-hand lane. This safe response will allow the tailgater to pass.
Drive At A Steady Pace
Keep a steady pace according to the relevant speed limits. Don’t suddenly increase and decrease driving speeds and make unpredictable lane changes and stops. These habits make it tricky for other drivers to predict your next action, heightening the chances of a collision.
Maintain Your Vehicle
Neglecting vehicle maintenance can lead to a number of issues, like brake failure and several others, which can put you and other road users in danger. If your vehicle should malfunction on the road, you might cause an accident. Remember to prioritize vehicle maintenance according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.