It's easy to become desensitized to the dangers of driving, but the riskiest moments in your day are spent behind the wheel of a car. Fortunately, although you can't control every factor related to driving, you can master more than you might think. So, before you start another drive, take a moment to reflect on how you can improve your driving safety.
Stay on Top of Regular Maintenance
Keeping your car in fighting shape is the easiest way to ensure you don't put a damaged machine on the roads. Tire rotations, oil changes, and routine check-ups will help you stay abreast of wear and tear, preventing inconvenient and expensive repairs in the future. Keep your owner's manual handy and make sure you follow its maintenance schedule as closely as possible. With that, communicate freely with your mechanic, so you understand what driving conditions might influence your vehicle in unique ways.
Be Overly-Cautious in Extreme Weather
You should always drive carefully, but maneuvering with extreme caution during ice, rain or other hazardous conditions will help you and those around you stay safe. Road incidents increase exponentially in bad weather, and you can avoid collision by turning slowly and leaving plenty of distance between your vehicle and other drivers. Not only will this extra step help out if sudden braking is required, but it will enhance your reaction time.
Always Buckle Up
Another simple but sometimes overlooked act, wearing your seatbelt every time you get in a car will help you avoid injury (and citations). When unbuckled, you risk injury even in a low-speed crash, so don't take the chance. Along with yourself, ensure all passengers in your car wear seatbelts.
Drive Defensively
Everyone makes mistakes, but defensive driving means understanding what others are doing and preparing for every possible outcome. Always examine your driving techniques and remind yourself to stay calm in stressful situations. Impatience and anger impair your ability to drive, so cope in ways that work for you.
Avoid Distraction
Mindful driving means more than simple awareness; it means staying wholly focused on the road. Cell phones, alcohol, music, GPS systems, and food can all distract you in deadly ways. Make a commitment to avoid texting, eating or engaging with anything that takes your mind off the task at hand. No one can multitask while driving.
To make sure your San Jose car stays healthy and the earth happy, call Dhillon Motorsports, formerly known as Smog Man San Jose today and schedule an appointment with our team of experts.