Driving Safely This Summer
With summer fast approaching, there will be many more cars on the road than usual.
Driving defensively will be important to staying safe on the road during the next few months. The roads will become inundated with people going on holiday, tourists and people who are taking time off work.
With the higher number of drivers on the road comes an increase in risk when driving. Making a conscious effort to be aware of your own driving, as well as those around you will go a long way to keeping you out of harm’s way. Here are a few tips for safer driving over the summer months:
-
Focus: Make sure you focus on your driving. Don’t allow things like your phone, the radio or passengers take your attention away from the road. Turn your phone to silent, set the radio station before you start driving, and don’t be afraid to tell your passengers that the conversation is distracting you. Remember their safety is in your hands as well! Inexperienced drivers are particularly prone to being distracted.
-
Be Alert: Make sure you pay attention to what is around you on the road. Take note of road signs, as they will give you important information like the speed limit or if there is a particularly tricky turn or intersection coming up. Get into the habit of periodically checking your rear-view and wing mirrors for a full view of the conditions around your vehicle. If you are feeling tired or sleepy, find a spot to pull over immediately and rest. Driving tired is akin to driving while intoxicated and not only puts you in danger, but other drivers and pedestrians as well.
-
Follow the Road Rules: This may seem pretty obvious, but many people believe the rules don’t necessarily apply to them. Another common hazard in this country is people believing they are being friendly by giving you the right of way, when in fact they have it themselves. This may make them feel like they’re doing something nice, but they could actually be endangering both of you. Let them know they have the right to go. If they insist, then cautiously proceed, being hyper-aware of your surroundings and other drivers whilst doing so.
-
Don’t Trust Other Drivers: If you assume everyone else on the road is a terrible driver, then you will be constantly ready to react to their potential mistakes. Try to anticipate their actions. Observe how they are driving and react accordingly. If someone seems distracted or they are driving aggressively then keep your distance and be ready for anything.
-
Look Ahead: Being aware of your immediate surroundings is important, but so is being aware of what is further ahead of you on the road. Make sure you keep an eye out for potential hazards like stopped or slowed vehicles, debris on the road, pedestrians, cyclists etc. The sooner you become aware of the potential hazards, the more ready you will be to react to them.
These are just a few tips, but there are many things to consider when driving this summer. Drive to the conditions, be aware of your surroundings, stay focused on the task at hand and you will have a much safer and more pleasant time on the road.
Explore New Zealand with Rite Price Rentals! Rent a car from Rotorua, Hamilton or Tauranga and explore everything that New Zealand has to offer. We have car or van hire options depending on the size of your family or group. Rite Price Rentals is New Zealand’s trusted car rental company. Make sure to give us a call on 0800 250 251 or simply book online.
