Important Traffic Safety Tips You May Not Know

 Thanks to the outreach of today's high-tech communications services, motorists are more aware than ever of the accidents and incidents on our roadways. Whether they're minor or severe, or even taking place on the other side of the country, they're reported quickly. But what is known about the dynamics putting those accidents into play? Is it satisfactory to blame the intoxicated, the texting crowd and the inattentive teenagers?

While these are the culprits painted in the boldest colors, there are also innumerable incidences where average citizens get involved in dramatic accidents, leaving the survivors to wonder why. So, there are some simple yet effective strategies the average motorist can employ to keep them safe as well as the motoring public around them.

·         Be mindful of the following distance between a vehicle and the one ahead. For the average passenger vehicle, a good following distance between you and the vehicle ahead is four seconds. The best way to gain those four seconds is by watching the vehicle ahead pass by a landmark (a sign, for example). With the proper following distance, you won't reach the landmark until four seconds after the car ahead. This distance will allow motorists ample time to react in the event of a sudden problem.

·         Avoid running with the pack. Getting caught up in the packs that mysteriously form on the highways and other roads is inherently a bad idea. In fact, having a way out of any potential problem quickly is the advice intended here. Because motorists have no idea what the driving skills and intentions of those in the pack might be (but it's known being in the pack is less than stellar, so there is some idea), staying out of the pack can help prevent being tangled up in a newsworthy event.

·         Don't be too anonymous. Many motorists may not want to drive around in some eye-catching roadster or loud, hopping party-mobile, but when motorists are negotiating traffic they want their vehicle seen just as much as it's desired to see what's around. Using blinkers and headlights is always a good idea, but also try to watch for the drivers out there. Does that car up ahead see that someone is performing a lane change? If a vehicle is pulling out of a driveway, is it assured the driver coming from the left sees that intention? Motorists should ensure they're seen by other motorists.

·         Yield to aggressive drivers. Don't try to 'show them who's boss' or teach anyone a lesson. If another motorist is demonstrating aggressive driving behaviors, allow them to create as much distance as possible. Keep in mind that the aggressive driver is catching everyone's attention. So if all eyes are on the fool, the fool could be the one escaping without a scratch. Let the aggressor have their way to a point, but if their traffic rules violations are blatantly egregious, get the plate and description and report them.

·         Know what your vehicle can do. Most are aware that seatbelts are necessary in the event of a crash, but how many know seatbelts could actually prevent a crash? If something happens that brings a car out of control, the seatbelt is holding the driver firm before the controls of the car rather than allowing them to end up in a passenger's lap. Do motorists really know the power and performance capabilities of their car? Would the car lag or even stall should one attempt to accelerate quickly, or might it place the motorist in the next zip code before they get the chance to blink? How many drive a four-wheel drive automobile but never had it off the road? Motorists don't need the skills of a stunt driver in some action movie, but knowing how to cope with a vehicle outside the common norms would be more prudent than daring.

·         Avoid complacency. The vast majority of motorists drive the same routes repeatedly. Try to remain conscious of the fact that anything can happen, even if it seemingly never does. An animal could end up in the way, or a new neighbor, or someone lost. Also, never forget that any vehicle is actually a very large and heavy machine that could potentially cause a great deal of harm. A Yaris may not seem like a big car and 25 miles per hour may not seem speedy, but if the Yaris hit something, the physics will quickly be made aware for all involved. Beyond this, distractions such as the phone, radio, makeup or a quickie meal in the lap show that a motorist might be too comfortable with the vehicle, mainly because they've gone so long without a mishap. Keep in mind that close attention and being safe is why you've accomplished that. Don't be paranoid, but avoid being complacent.

Through safe actions and practices such as those listed above, motorists may very well see numerous close calls and near misses avoided rather than having to exchange contact information, or far worse. Another good habit to adopt is watching for the near misses that occur. Besides going wide-eyed and gasping, quickly ascertain what caused the near miss and ask what might have prevented the moment's drama, and what might have made it a lot worse. Following these words of advice might afford the average motorist a good relationship with their car insurance company.