No man is an island, and no man (or woman) driving a car is an island, either. When we get behind the wheel of the car, we’re taking on certain responsibilities toward other drivers and pedestrians who share the road with us. We’ve all seen reckless drivers who act like they’re the only person on the freeway. We don’t want to be inconsiderate or distracted, and we have to remember to focus our attention where it needs to be: on the road in front of us, regardless of if it’s a dirt road in the country or an HOV lane in the heart of a big city. Not everyone will be paying attention, and we can’t make them pay attention. That’s just a fact of life. But we can do everything possible on our end to make sure we’re being safe, responsible motorists.
Not all cars are the same
A six-cylinder engine is going to run differently than a four-cylinder engine. A manual transmission automobile requires a different kind of driving than an automatic transmission car. Every car has its own quirks, and we get used to the quirks in our own car, which can make it tricky to realize that we’re not sharing the highway with thousands of identical vehicles. Think of how you feel when you climb behind the wheel of a rental car. You adjust the mirrors and the seat to make sure you’re comfortable. You should also adjust your mindset every time you see a new car behind you in your rearview mirror. If you’re looking to pass a slow-moving vehicle before the roadway narrows from two lanes to one, then it’s important to realize that passing a small sedan is going to be easier than passing a gigantic 18-wheeler hauling a wide load. Don’t take any unnecessary risks. It’s better to be stuck behind a slow car than get involved in a major accident, or even a minor accident. Your time matters, yes, but your life matters more, and your time isn’t any more important than anyone else’s.
Try not to panic
We all encounter things on the roadway that alarm us. Sometimes it might be a cop car following us. It’s easy to think, “I must be doing something wrong! What is it?” But there’s no need to worry unless the cop turns his flashing lights on. At that point, you need to stay calm, pull over as soon as you can find a safe way to do so, and keep your hands on the wheel.
Other times we might see a large truck swerving in front of us. Again, it’s not a great situation, but it’s important to remain calm and think of the best way to stay safe. Sometimes that might mean hanging back, while other times that might mean passing the truck if you can do so safely. If an accident does happen, don’t assume your life is ruined. Remember that 18-wheelers should have commercial truck insurance, as there are numerous companies that offer it (including American Insurance Brokers of Mandeville, LA). Additionally, the portability of the internet on all of our devices has made it easier than ever before to come to quick solutions should an emergency arise. There are even free online directories for trucking companies to find maintenance and repair solutions–from a tank wash directory to services that handle sudden emergencies. In this way, the driver of the truck should be able to quickly rectify the situation and work with you towards a solution. Despite the ease of these services, always be sure to first call the police and make a report to your insurance company. Seek out medical treatment if you’re injured. Realize that you did the best you could to avoid an accident, but they sometimes happen anyway.
Alternative Options
While these tips are definitely important to help you stay safe on the road, it’s understandable that some people may still not feel comfortable enough to drive on their own. Perhaps you’ve been in accident before that has left you nervous about being on the road, and it’s definitely true that being excessively nervous behind the wheel can be just as dangerous as being a distracted driver. Thankfully, there are plenty of alternatives to driving. You can commute by public transportation, although that will usually take longer. If you’d like to retain your speedy travel while not getting behind the wheel, a trustworthy taxi company, such as Absolute Taxi in Cooperstown, can get you to your location quickly and without the associated stress of driving.
Whichever way you choose to travel, be sure to always remain aware of your surroundings to prevent unnecessary risks and dangers.
