6 Good Driving Habits That Every Driver Should Develop

How can you stay safe on the road? To drive safely, it helps to develop good driving habits each time you get behind the wheel. Unfortunately, it’s all too easy to get into bad habits while driving – but this can put the safety of yourself, your passengers, and other drivers at risk.

So what are good driving habits, exactly? Simply, these are actions, thoughts, or procedures that you follow each time you drive a car, with the aim of making your driving safe. It’s generally thought that new habits take about a month to form, so if you make an effort to practice good driving habits each day, they’ll soon become second nature.

Read on for six good driving habits that every driver should develop – plus a few that you should always avoid.

1. Focus on the Road

Wondering “How can I make my driving better?” Well, our most important driving tip is to always stay highly focused on the road. Distracted driving is the number one cause of car accidents, due to drivers paying attention to something else other than the road and what’s happening on it.

Always remain focused when behind the wheel. This means never texting or making calls while driving, listening to the radio at an appropriate volume, and keeping an eye on your mirrors and rear window, so you have a full picture of your surroundings.

If passengers, children, or pets are fussing or making noise in the car, pull over and handle the situation – but never try to calm your children or animals while still driving.

man sitting in car
Image by Fortune Vieyra on Unsplash: Checking your mirrors frequently is a good driving habit to pick up.

2. Check Your Mirrors

Your rearview and side mirrors are there to help you drive safely, so use them to your advantage. Whenever you get into the car, check your mirrors to see if their positioning is correct; they can easily get bumped, and you don’t want to have to adjust them while driving.

When you’re driving, especially when switching lanes, always check your mirrors first to make sure it’s safe. Keep in mind that all cars have a blind spot (an area you can’t see in your mirrors), so turn your head as well to make sure it’s absolutely safe before turning or merging.

3. Look After Your Car

Your car is a complex and expensive machine, so make sure it’s always running its best with regular serving and oil changes.

You might want to learn some driving basics to make things easier in an emergency. So what basic skills should all drivers have? To start, it can be helpful to know how to change a tire, how to set up flares, and how to call for help in an emergency. Otherwise, always make sure you have a roadside assistance membership so you can call for help at any time.

4. Take Frequent Breaks

Heading out on a long road trip? If so, remember to take frequent breaks. Driving when tired can lead to accidents, so stay fresh by stopping for a stretch and some fresh air every two hours or so.

Breaks can be a good opportunity to look at your map, work out where you’re going, and think about the parking situation at your destination. If you qualify for a disabled parking permit, make sure you always have it with you so it’s easy to access parking.

5. Use Your Turn Signals

It seems obvious, but many drivers neglect to use their turn signals. If you don’t use your signals before turning left or right or changing lanes, other drivers on the road don’t know what you’re planning.

This can be incredibly dangerous, so always get into the habit of indicating well before you plan to turn.

6. Slow Down

Speed can be a killer on the roads. Even if you’re running late, always drive the speed limit. If the roads are wet or visibility is poor, it’s a good idea to slow down even more.

Going the speed limit means you’ll not only avoid getting a ticket, but you’ll arrive safely at your destination.

man showing bad driving habits using phone while driving
Image by Alexandre Boucher on Unsplash: What are some bad driving habits? Texting and driving is one of the worst.

Bad Habits to Avoid

Now that you know how to drive safely, what are some bad driving habits to avoid? Firstly, to stay safe, never text or browse on your phone while driving – it can quickly cause a crash.

You’ll also want to avoid driving while angry. If you’re already feeling mad or upset, you’re not likely to concentrate on your driving, and you might even experience aggression known as road rage. Road rage can make it easy to do something you’ll regret, such as acting negatively towards another driver or making reckless choices behind the wheel.

When driving, always avoid using alcohol, drugs, or prescription medication that you know will make you tired or groggy. If you’re in a position where you’re no longer able to drive, call a cab or rideshare service, ask a friend for a ride, or wait a few hours until it’s safe to drive.

Are you ready to improve your driving? If so, make an effort to develop good driving habits, starting with the tips outlined above. They can help you become a more confident and responsible driver, keeping you and your passengers safe, happy, and secure while on the road.

Featured image by Jan Baborak on Unsplash

How Disabled EV Drivers Can Make Sure They Get The Most Out Of Their Electric Car

Electric cars are surging in popularity because of all the benefits they offer. Aside from the fact that drivers no longer have to pay for gas, electric vehicles are much cleaner for the environment and can cut a person’s carbon footprint significantly.

When it comes to disabled drivers, it may be hard to determine what electric car if any will be good enough to accommodate their needs. There are specific types of electric cars that are more suitable than others, such as the Toyota Prius or the Volkswagen e-Golf. These types of vehicles offer more than enough features for those with disabilities, such as being easier to drive when it comes to handling, ample room and storage space, and having higher safety ratings than traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. But how can disabled EV drivers make the most out of their vehicle?

Dr Handicap - electric vehicle charging station
Image by Ernest Ojeh on Unsplash: EV charging for persons with disabilities can be easier than filling up a traditional car with gasoline.

Electric vehicles for disabled drivers

Choosing the right electric car is the first step in getting environmentally friendly on the road with a disability. One of the biggest benefits of electric vehicles for disabled drivers is that they are all automatic. There is no clutch or gears to deal with, and that makes it a seamless transition from an automatic gas-powered vehicle.

Many electric cars are also being made similar to their gas-powered counterparts when it comes to size and storage capabilities. This means that any modifications a person may need to make to their car could easily be done with a new electric vehicle.

For those who require more space, electric vehicles such as the Kia Soul EV and the Nissan E-NV200 Combi are great options to choose from. The Nissan E-NV200 Combi can be ordered with seven seats that are fully folding. This provides ample room for those who may need to bring along their wheelchair or other large cargo.

Handicap EV parking

The demand for electric vehicle parking has been growing exponentially in the last few years because of the rise of the use of electric cars. As more and more people are purchasing these environmentally friendly vehicles, more places are having to fill the demand for electric vehicle parking stations.

One discrepancy in those spaces, though, is accessible EV parking stations. In many places in the United States, electric vehicle charging stations have been made accessible for those with disabilities.

According to a report by the International Parking and Mobility Institute, there are no national standard when it comes to electric vehicle parking spots and charging stations for those with disabilities. There are, however, some guidelines:

  • Accessible spaces at EV charging stations don’t count towards the parking facility minimum
  • Charging stations are required to have space allotted for a person in a wheelchair
  • Typical ADA reach range and turning radius requirements are the standard for accessing the equipment
  • EV charging spots should be created in the same way as other ADA parking spaces

These guidelines are there to ensure that those with disabilities can have easy access to charging stations wherever they are.

Dr Handicap - person driving car
Image by CardMapr on Unsplash: Electric vehicles are easier to drive for people with disabilities, making them a great car choice.

Getting the most out of your electric vehicle

To get the most out of your electric vehicle, you will want to utilize all the perks it has to offer. For example, if you use your car for daily driving, it may be a good idea to ensure that you charge the battery at your home base charger. This will keep you from needing to find an accessible spot while out and about.

Electric vehicles are also cheaper on costs, as mentioned above. This can make your life easier because you can say goodbye to the gas pumps and certain regular maintenance costs that come with traditional cars. By switching to an electric vehicle, you could save thousands of dollars per year, which can allow you to live more freely with your disability, financially speaking. It may also free up some cash to help add more modifications to your vehicle if you need or want them.

Driving an electric vehicle isn’t just good for people with disabilities – everyone could benefit from driving a more environmentally friendly vehicle. However, those with disabilities can particularly enjoy the smoother rise, easier handling, lower costs, and ease of charging when they buy an electric vehicle.

Featured image by Andrew Roberts on Unsplash

Why Is Driving So Tiring? How To Avoid Getting Sleepy Behind The Wheel

You’re cruising down the highway, with a long drive ahead of you. You slowly notice that your eyes are starting to close, and before you know it you’re veering into the lane next to you. So why is driving so tiring? And what can you do to stay alert behind the wheel?

All drivers quickly learn that driving can be both mentally and physically tiring, especially at night. This can often be due to a combination of factors, including driver fatigue, lack of sleep, or even certain medications. Research has even shown that the low-frequency vibrations of our cars can make us tired, inducing sleepiness – if you’ve ever lulled a baby to sleep in a car, you can relate!

Wondering “How can I stop being so tired while driving?” Here are a few tips on how to avoid getting sleepy behind the wheel, helping you stay safe and in control.

Know the warning signs of driver fatigue

Why does driving make you so tired? Often, it’s because you were already tired when you got in the car. To avoid getting too tired while you drive, make sure you’re familiar with the signs of driver fatigue. It’s most frequently experienced on long road trips, as sitting in the car for hours on end can be exhausting.

If you notice yourself yawning, feeling stiff or cramped, or your eyes feel sore, these are signs that you need a break. Or you might notice that your reaction times have slowed down, you’re daydreaming and not focused on the road, or you’re having trouble keeping your head up – these can also indicate that it’s time to pull over.

Dr Handicap - man behind wheel
Image by rezasaad on Unsplash: Avoid driving at night, as it’s when you’re most likely to feel fatigued.

Sleep well the night before

One of the best ways to prevent driver fatigue is by sleeping well the night before. Get a solid eight hours, at least, and try to avoid alcohol or stimulants, as these can impact your sleep quality. If you’ve had too much alcohol the night before, you can still read over the legal limit the next morning, so this is the last thing you want to do before a long drive.

It’s best to start road trips in the morning, when you feel fresh. Don’t start off on a long drive in the afternoon, after an eight-hour shift – you’re setting yourself up for failure.

Take regular breaks

On long drives, it’s helpful to take breaks about every two hours. Pull over, get out of the car, stretch, and give your eyes and mind a break from the concentration of driving.

This gives you a much-needed break and you should feel more refreshed when you start driving again. Some drivers might find it tempting to stock up on coffee and sweet treats when they take breaks, but healthier snacks are always better; the inevitable sugar crash a few hours later can leave you feeling tired and groggy.

Most drivers find that around 8–10 hours of driving is more than enough – if you need to drive more than that, it’s best to stop overnight halfway.

Share the driving

A great way to avoid fatigue is to share long drives with someone else. Is driving mentally exhausting? Yes – many drivers find that the repetitive nature of highway driving, the constant focus, and the mental energy it requires leaves them worn out at the end of the day.

If you can share the driving with a friend, it allows you to rest, take a nap, or just give your eyes and brain a break. Having company in the car can also help you stay awake, since you’ll have someone to talk to and pass the time. Even better, you can split the cost of gas!

Try not to drive at night

If all possible, try to avoid driving at night. You’re likely to be tired from a long day, and decreased visibility makes it harder to stay safe on the road.

The night skies also attract lots of wildlife to the road, so in rural areas, nighttime driving can increase your risk of an accident.

Dr Handicap - driving with passenger
Image by Orkun Azap on Unsplash: How can I stop being so tired while driving? Sometimes, bringing a friend along to share the drive can help.

Talk to your doctor

If you’re doing all the right things, but you still feel exhausted by driving, you might want to talk to your doctor to learn more. Sometimes, fatigue can be a side effect of medication or a health condition, so medical care can allow you to manage it safely.

A medical checkup can help you learn more, working out what might be causing you to feel so tired behind the wheel. Even if you have a chronic health condition, like breathing difficulties, it’s still possible to enjoy the fun of driving. Your doctor can talk to you about special considerations or alterations you can make to the way you drive that it can make it safer and easier for you.

Driving is one of the best ways to get around town, and for many people, it gives them a strong sense of independence and freedom. However, for your own sake and for the drivers around you, always take care to avoid driver fatigue. You want to stay alert and focused so that you can safely enjoy driving for many years to come.

Featured image by Andy Art on Unsplash

Why Driving Angry Should Be Avoided At All Costs

There are certain situations where emotions can get in the way of better judgement while driving a car. It’s nothing to do with a failing of character or will; getting angry behind the wheel can happen to anyone.

Whether it’s leftover anger from of a problem that occurred prior to getting into the car, or whether you become angry because of an incident such as getting cut off in traffic, being angry while driving can be detrimental to how well a person drives and their focus behind the wheel. Most seriously, it can increase the risk of getting into an accident.

Here’s why driving angry should be avoided at all costs, and what you can to do stay calm behind the wheel.

Why is angry driving a major problem?

The best example of angry driving is road rage. Road rage occurs when someone gets angry at someone else in traffic because of something they did or didn’t do on the road. The problem with road rage is that it can distract a person from the task at hand. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 94% of all errors made by drivers are the cause of accidents. Of those, 33% can be directly linked to road rage incidents. It’s been proven that road rage increases the risk of making an error behind the wheel, and that’s one of the main reasons why angry driving is a major problem.

Research done in the 90s also found that over 12,000 injuries that happened on the road were directly caused by being angry behind the wheel, specifically in a road rage incident, with over 200 of those cases involving deliberate physical altercations resulting in death. One concerning issue that can be determined from research is that road rage incidents have been steadily increasing since then.

Dr Handicap - car accident
Image by Matthew T Rader on Unsplash: Road rage and driving angry contribute to good portion of all car accidents.

How can anger affect driving?

Studies have shown that there are many ways driving angry can affect the way a person performs behind the wheel. According to the American Psychological Association, feelings associated with anger can lead to hostile and aggressive thinking. When that is coupled with driving, it can lead to issues with other drivers on the road. These issues are also less likely to be perceived by the angry person as they actually occurred.

Angry drivers are also more likely to take risks while on the road. Studies reported that people who drove while angry participated in risky behaviors such as speeding, rapidly switching lanes, tailgating other drivers, and driving through red lights. Angry driving also causes drivers to become aggressive. Aggressive driving is a dangerous tactic, especially if it involves measures such as swearing or yelling at other drivers or even deliberately cutting people off or running them off the road.

Driving angry can lead to more accidents. Research has found that angry drivers are actually twice as likely to get in an accident than those who are calm while driving. Those who drive angry are also more impulsive behind the wheel, which can lead to impaired judgement on the road.

How do I not get angry when driving?

It can be easy to fall into the trap of getting angry on the road. There are ways to combat that anger while you’re driving, though. In the instance that another driver is making you angry, it’s best to try not take it personally. They could be an aggressive driver who sees you as no more than another car in their way. This has nothing to do with you and everything to do with them. By remembering that they are not personally attacking you, you may be able to better keep calm and safe.

Dr Handicap - angry driving
Image by Sinitta Leunen on Unsplash: Is it bad to drive angry? Yes. If you can’t calm yourself down while driving it’s best to pull over and collect yourself prior to returning to the road.

You can also practice defensive driving. This driving technique operates under a set of learned skills that teach you how to handle the road in a less dangerous way. It keeps you safer around other drivers and allows you to spot and avoid hazards on the road.

Positive affirmations can also go a long way when you can feel your anger getting the best of you behind the wheel. By repeating calming, positive affirmations, you can give yourself the option to see the situation differently. This will allow you to slow down, calm your thoughts, and continue driving in a focused and relaxed manner.

If all else fails, pull the car over until you can collect yourself. Driving angry is a dangerous act and can lead to both minor and major collisions. If you are angry prior to getting in the car, try staying parked for a while and practicing positive affirmations or listening to calming music prior to beginning your journey. Staying calm and focused is key to staying safe while driving.

Featured image by NeONBRAND on Unsplash

4 Things Family Members Of Disabled Drivers Should Know

Disabled adults face many challenges, but driving doesn’t have to be one of them. In fact, there are some ways that driving can be made much easier for those with disabilities. As a family member of someone who has a disability, you should understand what laws apply to disabled drivers, the education driving with disability requires, and how some vehicles may need to be modified. Here are all the things family members of disabled drivers should know.

1. Laws Surrounding Driving With Disability

Many federal laws oversee the ability of a person with a disability to drive on the roads. When discussing these driving laws, disabled usually refers to someone who has lost the use of one or more limbs and has to have adjustments made to a car in order to operate it.

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, disabled Americans are protected from being discriminated against both in the workplace and while accessing public services. A state’s Department of Motor Vehicles cannot deny a driver’s license to someone based solely on their disability status under the law. The law also states that disabled parking spaces must be available in parking lots, and must be wide enough to accommodate accessible vehicles with a ramp for wheelchairs.

Dr Handicap - parking lot
Image by Brydon McCluskey on Unsplash: Driving with a disability can be complicated. Make sure both you and the driver know the disabled driving laws.

Every state has its own laws surrounding disabled drivers, but some things are common across all states, such as the requirement of disabled drivers to disclose their disability to the DMV. The state may issue a restricted driver’s license based on the disability status of the person (mobility issues, limited vision, a hearing disability, etc.). The ways vehicles must be modified for disabilities differ from state to state, so if you have questions, make sure to contact your local DMV for more information.

2. Driver’s Education For Those With Disabilities

The driver’s education required for those with disabilities to obtain a driver’s license are much the same as any other driver’s education course, except that they may need specialized training based on any specific controls installed on a vehicle to help accommodate for their disability.

As with any other driver, a disabled driver must be at least 16, though driver’s education classes can begin at age 15. A theory test and a practical road test must be passed in order to obtain a driver’s license.

3. Requirements For Vehicles

Vehicle modifications for disabled drivers are based on the particular disability in question. Vehicles should include a feature that enables easy shifting and automatic transmission. It’s also a requirement for a disabled driver’s vehicle to have power steering, windows, seats, and locks.

Some disabled drivers may need a lift to access their vehicle and hand grips to transfer. If a driver is unable to use accelerator and brake pedals, their vehicles must have hand controls. However, you’ll want to check with your state to see what modifications are legal, since spinner knobs that make turning a wheel easier for a person with a disability have been outlawed in some states.

Dr Handicap - parking sign
Image by AbsolutVision on Unsplash: A driving license for physically handicapped people and vehicle modifications for disabled drivers can help individuals get around on their own.

4. Disabled Parking Permits

Another important item that may be required for a disabled driver is a disabled parking permit. The DMVs in each state issue these specialized parking permits, which may be given on a permanent or short-term basis. You need to check with your state to find out what the qualifying conditions are for a disabled parking permit; what forms must be filled out by the disabled driver and their doctor to secure one; and the cost, if any, of getting one.

A disabled parking permit will allow the driver to park in handicap-accessible spaces in parking garages and parking lots. These spaces are closer to the main entrance and have extra room for putting down a ramp for wheelchair access. Disabled parking may also allow a disabled driver to park on a street without paying the meter or to ignore parking with time limits. However, these privileges differ from state to state and even city to city, so you’ll need to make sure you and your disabled family member familiarize yourselves with state and local laws surrounding disabled parking.

Featured image by Josh Appel on Unsplash