Whether you’re a man or a woman, a teen or an elderly person, there are some driving habits that are dangerous for everyone. Being a competent driver necessitates recognizing and avoiding harmful driving habits. Here are six tips to make the roadways a little safer for everyone.

Be Aware of Technical Constraints

You might have a modern automobile with great features like backup cameras and lane shift sensors that alert you if something is in your way. People make the error of relying on these tools more than their own vision. According to some estimates, 80% of drivers are unaware that their blind-spot monitoring devices have limits and can overlook pedestrians and bicycles. These technologies are just intended to aid you, not to replace the need to turn and look for yourself. Use your eyes first since they are the best backup camera and lane sensor you have.

Perform regular safety inspections

Oil changes and tire rotations aren’t enough to keep your automobile safe on the road. Before getting on the road, it’s important to run through some basic safety checks every now and then. Make that your brake lights, turn signals, and headlights are all working properly. Keep a tire pressure gauge on available and check your tires every few weeks to make sure they’re properly filled. Although you may believe that tire pressure isn’t a huge deal, research show that inadequately inflated tires are a leading cause of accidents.

Avoid Aggressive Driving at All Costs

To drive aggressively, you don’t have to weave in and out of traffic, do 100 mph, and yell out your window. Tailgating, rolling past stop signs, making unsafe lane changes, and speeding up to beat yellow lights are all examples of aggressive driving. In fact, speeding is considered aggressive driving, yet more than half of all drivers believe speeding is acceptable, according to Drivers Ed. Instead, give yourself plenty of time to get to your location and have a calm demeanor during your travel.

Stress Reduction

If you’re stressed while driving, you’re endangering yourself and others on the road. Recognize stress causes, begin an exercise regimen, and eat a nutritious diet to reduce stress. Another technique to lessen anxiety is to make your house more healthy. Decluttering, organizing, and bringing in some indoor plants can all help to lift your spirits.

Multitasking should be avoided.

In an automobile, there is just one task that you should perform: driving. Some people are “better at multitasking” than others, however this is a myth. You’re distracted if you’re texting, changing the radio station, putting on cosmetics, swatting at youngsters in the backseat, eating a cheeseburger, or tinkering with your GPS. You are distracted if you take your eyes off the road, take your hand off the wheel, or take your mind off driving, according to the CDC.

When it comes to smartphones, we’ve all experienced the desire to text while driving (despite knowing it’s a poor idea). Try utilizing a phone stand to help you utilize your phone for instructions while avoiding the urge to text.

Think about your insurance coverage.

Insurance is intended to provide financial protection for the repair or replacement of your vehicle, as well as liability coverage in the event you damage other people’s property or harm another person. However, irresponsible driving can not only endanger you, your loved ones, and others, but it can also increase the amount you pay in monthly premiums. In fact, if your insurance provider believes you are too much of a risk, they may terminate your coverage.

Despite significant safety advancements throughout the years, automobile accidents remain one of the top causes of mortality. This emphasizes why it is essential to each individual driver to do all possible to practice safe driving.