The large number of road accidents in South Africa amounting from reckless driving and ill-safety measures is staggering. With proper safety awareness, accidents can be prevented. Not to mention, imagine having calm roads where more people can arrive at their destinations in one piece.
Before you hit the road in full swing, we have some safe driving tips and techniques you can immediately apply to keep yourself and others safe.
Safety always comes first, so we will get straight to it.
Driving behaviour is the way a person conducts himself or herself on the road.
According to Nauto, Driver behaviour is the description of intentional and unintentional characteristics and actions a driver performs while operating a motor vehicle.
The roads are host to a mix of drivers with different behaviours, all with the intention of getting somewhere.
You get driver A who sticks to the speed limit, drives with caution, a true example of good driver behaviour. He/she has their phone out of sight, does not race through traffic lights and is constantly checking their mirrors and blindspots
On the other hand, driver B exercising bad driver behaviour, is completely distracted. He swerves between lanes, snacks on food, does not stop when he must, and overall is not aware of what’s going on.
Or driver C could possess a mix of the two.
Which of the drivers most resembles you?
You can think about the factors that can contribute to or alter a driver’s behaviour such as age, experience, gender, attitude, emotions, fatigue, drowsiness, driving conditions, and the list goes on. These internal and external factors can change a driver’s ability to assess risk and make driving decisions any time of day.
We can assess driver behaviours on a spectrum from normal to risky and then aggressive.
Normality… here we come with the following advice for you to use immediately:
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Driving safe can only have a positive effect on us and our families. Not only does it ensure you arrive safely at your destination, it reduces stress, protects your vehicle, and finances too.
By exercising caution, you are caring about other drivers benefiting society as a whole. Also, any collisions will have a ripple effect on witnesses, and the families and friends of anyone involved.
Safe driving also benefits your company and their reputation. When a driver is involved in an accident, however small, it costs companies a lot in time, money and reputation.
Whilst important for people, it is also important for vehicles. Smooth and safe driving minimises accidents, but also over time reduces wear and tear, improves fuel economy and reduces overall running costs.
Many factors are taken into account that may affect insurance payout claims and premiums for individuals, such as driving behaviour and experience.
For example, important human factors taken into consideration are the age of the driver, gender, driving experience, driving record, and when the person received a driver’s licence. The longer you drive the more experience you gain. For this reason, people over 25 get a slight discount on their car insurance premiums.
First-time drivers or drivers with no history on South African roads are penalised by paying higher premiums until they demonstrate that they are safe drivers. Drivers with a good safety record may benefit when they purchase a vehicle insurance policy by receiving lower premiums.
Something to think about when taking to the roads.
The type of drivers on the road are a mixed bag of chocolates. There’s those who’ve been driving for a couple of years, long-term drivers, and those who’ve been missioning longer than we’ve been alive.
Newbies, we haven’t forgotten about you. New drivers are too stoked. They are finally free to come and go as they please, but often, they simply do not pay enough attention to what’s happening on the roads.
Here are 9 tips to help keep them in line.
This is always number one on the list. But in the case of being a new driver, you might want to capture that insta moment and share it with the world. This should be avoided at all costs. No texting, no calling, no eating, no channel surfing on the radio, and no turning around to talk with friends in the backseat. One of the best tips we can give you, is to set up for your drive while you're still in your driveway.
According to CDC.gov, teens are more likely than older drivers to speed and allow shorter headways (the distance from the front of one vehicle to the front of the next). The higher your speed, the less time you have to stop your car, and the worse any impact and subsequent injuries will likely be.
People can move from drowsy to actually falling asleep when driving. First time drivers are likely to enjoy long nights out with friends, which will decrease sleep significantly. If this is you, then we advise that you avoid driving entirely, to be more alert. If you are driving a long distance, and you start to feel tired, rather pull over and get some rest until you are alert again. Or give the wheel to your friend.
Although it may be tempting to go on a fun road trip with friends as soon as possible, but be careful. Rather be prepared than succumb to peer pressure. The added pressure can be dangerous, especially because you are still new on the road.
Before planning a road trip, make sure you’re fully confident in your ability. This includes driving in all weather conditions, with passengers, luggage and ensuring your car is equipped. Is the car ready for a long trip and do you have money for maintenance? These are practicalities to think about before you even hit the road. And don’t be afraid to tell your friends if they’re making you feel uneasy.
Being a new driver, you may need to focus a tad extra, so you can get to your destination in a breeze. Being unsure of where you are going is the last thing you need. It can only add more stress to the situation, so rather plan your route before you leave, and find out the exact directions before.
You may know what you are doing and are confident in your driving ability, well done! Unfortunately, not everyone does, and there are all kinds of reckless drivers on the road. It’s important to be aware of other drivers and their sudden moves. Even if it is your right way to go, watch out if the other driver is stopping. Watch out for traffic light jumpers and sudden u-turners. They are all over.
Get to know your car before driving. Whether it’s yours or someone else's, it is safer to understand how it works before you take to the roads. The more comfortable you are with the controls, the more relaxed you’ll be and will drive better.
One of the best parts of driving for the first time is getting those tunes going. You may have your favourite playlist ready in jam-mode, but think again. Loud music can be a concentration killer — especially among teens.
In a driving study, 98% of teens who listen to music had more driving errors. And 20% needed an assisted steering or braking manoeuvre to prevent an accident.
In general, it is known for loud music to interfere with your concentration. And if there’s one thing we’ve learned so far, paying attention and being aware is key for new drivers. So until you’re confident, go easy on the music.
Experts say, drivers in general are not aware that as they get drawn-in by a song, they move from an extra-personal space involving driving tasks, to a more personal space of active music listening.
You may know how to drive, but the roads can get jam-packed fast. Why not get a feel for things when things are calmer? Going for a weekend drive with an experienced driver can be great for your confidence, especially as a new driver. Take your car for a spin when the roads are quiet, like on a Sunday, for no other reason than practice.
However, still make sure you get out there alone too. After all, you will have to get behind the wheel alone many times, so you’ll need to get used to it.
According to Shell South Africa, drivers should control fear and build the right beliefs for driving confidence.
Sometimes, we need to do more on the roads and be on guard even if we are on top form.
This is where defensive driving can get you into fast gear.
There is always the underlying danger of the hazards that are present on the road. Even if you’re doing everything you should be doing when driving and obeying the laws of the road, the chance persists that another motorist will endanger your life through their reckless actions. In these instances, it is essential that you have the tools required to avoid an accident.
Here’s how to become a defensive driver like a pro:
Always keep a steady pace
The slower you drive, the more reaction time you will have to avoid and prevent collisions and accidents. It is therefore critical that you don’t overspeed on the road, and always keep a safe following distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you.
Make sure you focus
There are always a host of variables that can distract your drive, including the radio, your phone, kids or somebody talking to you. Make sure that you don’t let these distractions overwhelm you and always keep your focus firmly on the road so that you are prepared for any eventuality.
Expect the unexpected from other drivers
No matter how well you drive, you still have to be constantly aware of other drivers’ mistakes on the road. By anticipating their mistakes, you will always be one step ahead and have the means to pre-emptively avoid disaster on the road. In essence, you should learn to be more aware of your peripheral surroundings, which will improve your readiness in this regard.
Driving safety first
One of the key defensive driving pointers is to ensure that your vehicle is equipped with all the latest safety features such as airbags and booster seats, while your passengers should adhere to basic road safety principles such as buckling belts and not sticking any body parts out of a moving vehicle.
Yield first, ask questions later
In circumstances on the road when you are unsure, the safest course of action is to always give the right of way to other drivers. It makes no difference who is right or wrong; even if you have the right of way, the best way to avoid an accident is to take a cautious approach.
Cut out the road rage
Tempers can flare up on the road, especially when you perceive other motorists to have endangered your life and the lives of other motorists. However, if you don’t keep your cool in these situations you will make things worse, as you might also break the rules of the road and endanger others in your moment of rage. As such, always try to remain as calm and collected as possible and to always keep your wits about you when dealing with errant motorists.
Your driving behaviour makes a difference in all aspects of what it means to be a responsible motorist.
As you take these safety keepers on board, it is also important to protect your vehicle from would-be thieves by installing a tracking device from Cartrack.
Keep calm and drive safely.
What does drive safe actually mean?? It means being a responsible motorist and citizen on the roads at all times.
