- Did you know there is a link between high tempo music and driving faster than you normally would? Scientists found that drivers can be distracted by the fast beat, so not only should you avoid messing with the volume or try to find a radio station whilst driving, be careful what music you choose!
- Make sure you don’t have any part of your car visible in any of your side mirrors so that there is no overlap between them and the rear-view mirror. You reduce your blind spots just like that!
- Tie down bags that are free in an open planned boot and don’t have things lying around which in a high speed accident would then serve as missiles in the car.
- Make sure you pay more attention to traffic than simply just reading the road signs. We can become so fixated on road signs that we don’t notice what else is going on, on the road. For example, just because a light is green does not always mean it is fine to go – especially if another driver is amber gambling.
- Instead of focusing on the bumper of the next car, practice scanning the horizon ahead. This tactic is often used by racing car drivers to anticipate conditions ahead of them on the track, enabling them to adjust their driving in good time. And always, always, always drive appropriately to the conditions on the road.
- Always carry your mobile phone in your pocket when you are driving. If it is loose or in a handbag or bag and you crash, you may not be able to reach it. Always make sure your phone is fully charged and that you have a hands free kit if needs be.
- Cruise control can actually be very dangerous in wet weather. If you hit a puddle that causes you to hydroplane while your car is in cruise control, it might actually cause your car to accelerate in an attempt to maintain a constant speed – the opposite of what you should be doing.
- Keep your headlights turned even in daylight to make your vehicle more visible. This is especially important during this mid winter period when light levels during the day can be reduced by rain and fog. Many other countries insist on your headlights always being on.
- When driving on rural roads at night, look closely at the white line marking the inside and outside edges of the road. It is much harder to judge speed of other cars and see markings as well as notice wandering animals at night so concentrate by turning off the music.
- Aggressive driving can aggravate other drivers and cause them to become frustrated and drive rashly. Rather drive defensively – don’t speed or react to poor drivers. If in doubt, don’t pull out.
About the Author / Gareth Hargreaves
Gareth looks after all editorial content on 50connect. He is the Swiss Army knife of content ideas and production.
