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

Driving And Cellphones: The Dangers And The Solutions

Driving and cellphones are a troublesome combination. Only twenty years ago, cellphones were extremely rare and comically cumbersome machines. But these days, if you do not have a cellphone, you are in a vanishingly rare minority. They’re everywhere, and most people spend a good chunk of their waking hours staring at their cellphone screen.

Cellphones have brought a lot of good to the world. They benefit people’s lives in many ways; today, most details of a person’s life are monitored and organized by their phone. But they do have their detractors. People say that cellphone usage has become so constant in the lives of most people that in-person social interactions have dried up and people have become more isolated and lonely. Cellphones becoming so ubiquitous has its pros and cons, but the value or harm that a person’s cellphone usage brings to their lives surely depends on how they use their phone.

One way that cellphone usage can cause enormous harm is if they use their phone while driving. Using a cellphone while driving can have disastrous, tragic consequences for the cellphone user and other road users that come into contact with them. Read on for all you need to know about driving and cellphones, and why they can be such a dangerous combination.

Dr Handicap - vehicle accident — *Image by* *PublicDomainPictures* on *Pixabay: What are the dangers of using a cellphone while driving?*

What Are The Dangers Of Using A Cellphone While Driving?

Using a cellphone while driving disrupts a driver’s concentration and focus. The resulting distracted driving makes having a crash considerably more likely. Studies have shown that using a cellphone while driving increase the likelihood of getting into a crash by an enormous 400%!

On average, nine people are killed and 1,000 are injured on American roads every day due to distracted driving. A large amount of this distraction is caused by using a cellphone while behind the wheel.

What Are The Risks Of Using A Cellphone For Disabled Drivers?

Disabled drivers face all the same risks if they use a cellphone while driving. For some disabled drivers who have a lot of adaptive driving equipment installed in their vehicle that they need to operate and monitor, distraction from a cellphone may even be more problematic.

Can I Answer My Phone While Driving?

It is very dangerous to answer a handheld cellphone while driving. The vast majority of US states have banned handheld cellphone usage while driving. Texting while driving is also illegal in almost every state, and even in the tiny minority of states that have not yet made handheld cellphone usage while driving illegal, we strongly advise that you do not do it.

You can answer your phone while driving if it is connected to a hands-free device and you are over 18.

Solutions To Stop Cellphone Use While Driving

Here are some suggestions for avoiding cellphone use entirely while driving.

Use apps that detect when your vehicle is moving and prevent your phone from receiving calls and texts, such as AT&T DriveMode
Use settings that block your cellphone’s function while in the car
Set your phone to drive mode if it is available
Put your cellphone on silent mode
Put your cellphone out of reach while driving
Turn your cellphone off while driving
Use a separate GPS device so you don’t have to use your cellphone for navigation

Cellphone Safety Tips While Driving

Here are some suggestions for using a cellphone safely while driving.

Use a hands-free device
Only use hands-free when in situations where a conversation won’t cause a dangerous distraction

Disabled Parking - car conversion — *Image by* *StockSnap* on *Pixabay: What are the solutions to stop cellphone use while driving?*

How To Get A Disabled Parking Permit

Getting a disabled parking permit can bring huge improvements to a disabled driver’s quality of life. The qualifying conditions for a disabled permit vary slightly state by state, but the most common qualifying conditions are:

Not being able to walk 200 feet without needing to stop to rest
Any condition that impairs mobility to the extent that the use of a walking aid such as a wheelchair, brace, or cane is required.
Lung disease
Heart disease
Legal blindness
An orthopedic, neurological, or arthritic condition that impairs mobility

The best way to apply for a permit is to arrange an online consultation with a medical professional through Dr. Handicap. Once your condition has been verified, your DMV application form will be filled out by the medical professional, and you’ll be on your way to accessing more convenient parking wherever you go.

Featured image by Pexels on Pixabay

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

7 Tips On How To Avoid Driving Distracted

Knowing how to avoid driving distracted is extremely important. In fact, it is crucial, because distracted driving is a major cause of serious injury and death on the road.

Distracted driving causes thousands of car accidents every day on American roads. And sadly, many Americans have ended up permanently disabled because either they or another road user were driving distracted.

A vehicle is a lethal weapon in the hands of a distracted driver. A car, van, truck, or motorcycle becomes capable of wreaking destruction when it is not under the control of a responsible, skilled driver.

The right to drive on public roads should never be taken for granted. Each road user bears a huge responsibility to drive safely and to protect themselves and other drivers. Driving is an art that requires skill and concentration to perform well.

Unfortunately, some drivers on American roads do not take driving as seriously as they should. What they may not realize is that all it takes is a microsecond of inattention for serious accidents to eventuate.

What Is Distracted Driving?

Distracted driving means driving when you are not fully and completely concentrating on the act of driving, and/or the environment and surroundings that are relevant to safety while driving.

What Causes Distracted Driving?

Any number of things can cause distracted driving. There are many possible external distractions in the environment, both inside and outside the vehicle. These include cellphones, music, passengers, eating or drinking, reading road signs, and looking at the landscape.

It is also very possible to be distracted internally by thoughts, emotional states, illness, tiredness, or intoxication.

What Is The Main Cause Of Distracted Driving?

You might be wondering, “What is the number one cause of distracted driving?”. Well, by quite some distance, the most common cause of distraction while driving is phone usage.

This comes as little surprise, because practically everybody now seems to be at least somewhat addicted to their cellphone. It is illegal to use a cellphone while driving, but unfortunately, too many drivers still flout this law.

Why Is Distracted Driving Dangerous?

Distracted driving is dangerous because it is one of the most common causes of traffic accidents. Distracted driving causes serious injury and death to thousands of Americans every year.

How Can We Prevent Distracted Driving?

Thankfully, there are plenty of effective ways to manage distractions while driving. Read on for some tips on how to avoid distraction and stay focused at all times while driving.

1. Don’t Use Your Phone While Driving

As we mentioned, cellphone usage is the number one cause of distracted driving. Cellphone usage while driving kills. You must resist the urge to use your cellphone in any way while driving, because all it takes is one moment of distraction for tragedy to ensue. No text message is worth that!

2. Prepare Before Getting Behind The Wheel

A major cause of distraction while driving is putting on a seatbelt, or adjusting the seatbelt or seat, while the vehicle is in motion. This is dangerous and can easily lead to a crash. Always prepare to drive before you start driving, and don’t get onto the road until you’re settled and ready.

3. Don’t Drive While Drowsy

Tiredness and drowsiness are major causes of distracted driving. To avoid distracted driving due to fatigue, always pull over for a break, nap, coffee, or fresh air when you are feeling drowsy behind the wheel.

4. Don’t Eat While Driving

Eating while driving can be very distracting. Whether you’re trying to unwrap food or worrying about spills and crumbs, it can take your all-important attention away from the road and your surroundings. Avoid eating while driving; if you need a snack, pull over.

Dr Handicap - using phone while driving — *Image by* *StockSnap* on *Pixabay: Never use your cellphone while driving.*

5. Avoid Loud Conversation, Music, Podcasts, And Backseat Drivers

Conversation with other people in the car, listening to backseat drivers, getting lost in loud music or a podcast… All of these can result in distracted driving. To avoid distraction, make sure that no sound going on inside your vehicle is taking your attention away from the road.

6. Don’t Drive With Too Many Passengers

An overcrowded car can be very distracting. To avoid the dangers of driving while distracted, do not ever allow your car to have too many passengers, and ensure the passengers you do have are respectful and quiet.

7. Make Sure Your Vehicle Is Well Maintained

Driving a vehicle that has technical issues can be very distracting and dangerous. Always make sure that your vehicle is well-maintained and in great working order.

Featured image by Free-Photos on Pixabay

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