Have you ever seen drivers on the road who simply should not be driving or at least go back to driving school? We probably have all had this moment before, especially if you’ve been driving for a long time. This is especially true for us in the Chattanooga area. There are approximately 410 accidents a day in the state of Tennessee. While there are plenty more cities and states that have a significantly higher amount, each wreck, no matter big or small, is scary to experience. So, how can you feel more comfortable behind the wheel in an environment like that? Today, Doug Yates Towing & Recovery will share ways to improve your defensive driving skills. Implementing these tips can help prevent accidents and give you more peace of mind on the road. While a few of these tips are directly helpful to defensive driving, some emphasize how important it is to know tow trucks near you and towing companies you can call on! You can’t help if someone is driving recklessly; however, you can control how you react to it.
Helpful Defensive Driving Tips
Be Alert
It is easy to get comfortable driving and not think much about your surroundings, especially on the way to work or places you travel often. It is important for drivers to constantly be alert while driving, which could look different for everyone. Some people may need the more advanced cars that alert them when they are too close to a car, swerving, or even automatically brake. It is always important to frequently scan your surroundings in your mirrors and watch how other cars drive. If a car behind you is speeding and weaving in and out of lanes, keep a close eye on them in case they attempt to merge into your lane, which could lead to a collision if they are not carefully doing it. If you see a driver that seems to be under the influence due to excessive speed, swerving, or braking, be sure to call your local police station. You can do your best to prevent an accident and potentially save the lives of others and yourself!
Some wrecks even happen with broken-down cars on the side of the road due to a lack of alertness. Cars that have not gotten service from a towing company can be hazardous at times due to their location, but alertness on the road will help drivers carefully navigate these situations.
Predicting & Preparing
Another way you can consciously reduce dangers associated with driving is by predicting and preparing. This tip can apply to more general topics other than simply defensive driving. It is always beneficial to have a plan in mind to execute in case of an emergency. For example, it is smart to wait a second or two before accelerating once a traffic light turns green. This is due to the possibility of a car running the red light and hitting you or the car next to you. It is always in your best interest not to assume other drivers will do the right thing. This can be said for cars at stop signs, quickly merging, exiting, or even pulling out of their spot in a parking lot. It is also recommended to follow a rule known as the “3-4 second” rule. This rule is a great defensive driving method because it helps you maintain a safe distance between you and the next car. If the car in front of you slams on brakes, you would need to give yourself a comfortable distance and amount of time to brake. There should be at least 3 seconds between you and the car in front of you. This is just the bare minimum amount of time recommended to have enough space; the more space you leave between you and the next car, the better off you will be in need to brake quickly.
Know Your Local Towing Company
Lastly, a defensive driving tip you may not think of is always knowing of tow trucks near you and what towing service is offered. Whether or not this is useful to you, or someone you pull over to help with their car, it is always useful to rely on a good towing company and service you can trust. Even if someone follows good defensive driving tips, they may experience unfortunate car trouble. This is a situation where a towing company would get involved. Being able to search for a “tow truck near me” to instantly come to assist with your emergency is key. This is why it is important to prepare for emergencies and always be aware of your surroundings.
Need Towing Services? Call Us Today!
At Doug Yates Towing & Recovery, we provide towing services, as well as new and used tires, jump starts, fuel delivery, onsite regen, full-service shop, and other services. We know accidents happen, and that is why we are here for you! We hope you can take and apply these defensive driving tips and share them with other drivers you know, and we can make the roads a safer place. Always stay alert and cautious no matter the distance you are traveling!