Driving is such a commonplace activity for most Americans that the risks are sometimes overlooked. Even with scenes of highway disasters plastered over the local news nearly every night, the danger may not hit home until too late. Managing the risk of driving is relatively simple in concept. As evidenced by the number of accidents on the road, following through with good habits is a bit harder. Think common sense and defensive driving and risks are well on their way to being managed.
You hear it over and over: don't drive when you're tired, pull over and rest, drink some coffee, get out and move around. Drowsy driving can be as dangerous as driving on drugs or under the influence of alcohol, and the problem seems to be more prevalent for drivers under the age of 30. If you find yourself yawning and nodding behind the wheel, stop the car and take one or more of the actions mentioned above. Sometimes it's hard to make yourself pull over when you've got miles to go before you can go to sleep, but remember, you're not only a danger to yourself but to innocent occupants of cars around you on the road and to pedestrians.
The driver as well as all front and back seat passengers should be buckled in at all times when the car is in motion. Seat belts keep you in the car in the event of a crash, and that's where you want to be. The chances of dying are 25 times greater when occupants are thrown from the vehicle. Make fastening your seat belt an action you do every single time, especially if there are children riding with you; they need a good example set for when they become drivers. Habits can be formed with practice. Make it a goal to never start the car without fastening your seat belt for 21 straight days. Accomplish that and, chances are, you've got yourself a good habit.
Speeding can cost hundreds of dollars, revocation of your license, and even jail time. Accidentally kill someone in a crash that was caused by your speeding and you could face manslaughter charges. Take a close look at that car you're driving. Chances are, unless it's a classic from the 1970s, it's made of plastic, plastic, and more plastic. Even encased in airbags, most modern automobiles are not something you want to take your chances in with a wreck.
With the virulent increase in the use of personal devices like cell phones, iPods, Blackberries and the like, distracted driving has perhaps moved to the top of the list of risky driving practices. Throw in old standbys like eating, applying makeup and fussing with the radio, and you have a recipe for disaster. It's time to reinforce some new habits. When the phone rings, don't answer. That's what voicemail is for. The same goes for texting. These are very dangerous activities to be involved in while driving. To survive on the road today takes all your wits, attention and defensive skills, because chances are good the other guy is participating in at least a few of these distractions. Conventional wisdom says it takes 21 days to establish a new habit. Here's the best idea: make your time behind the wheel for driving only.
