After you have had your driver’s license for a while, you become complacent. You develop habits, good and bad. You also may not pay as much attention as you did when you were learning to drive. Such attitudes can put you at a higher risk for an accident.
Safe driving requires staying alert and aware. You have to pay attention and not take anything for granted when behind the wheel. News in Health explains you need to continuously and consciously practice safe driving habits.
Be present
When you get behind the wheel, you have to be alert and focus on the task of driving. You need to ensure you have focus physically, mentally, and visually. This means keeping both hands on the steering wheel, your eyes on the road, and your mind on the task of driving. Doing anything else when driving causes distractions that increase your risk of an accident.
Use safety devices
You always should put on your seatbelt as soon as you get into a vehicle. Make sure your seatbelts work properly and replace any that are worn or not working correctly. You also need to wear it properly with the lap belt across your hips and the shoulder belt across your chest.
Follow the law
Many driving laws are something your average person has no qualms about breaking. Most people on the road are exceeding the speed limit, but just because everyone else is doing it does not make it right or safe. Always follow speed limits, pay attention to road signs, come to complete stops at signs and red lights, and obey all other road laws.
Practice safe habits
Make sure you practice general safe driving habits, such as following at a proper distance, using your turn signals, and slowing down in bad weather.