Many drivers have engaged in reckless behavior at some point, sometimes without realizing they are doing so. Reckless driving presents a lot of danger to everyone on the road though. Reminding yourself of safe behaviors and rules of the road could save you and others from potential fatalities or damages.
Here are some tips on avoiding dangerous situations:
1. Always leave early if you are on a deadline.
If you are going to a job interview, a meeting, a concert or any event that begins at a specific time, leave early. Speeding is a huge risk factor on the road and it is most often caused by a driver trying to get to their destination on time. If you give yourself extra time to get there, you can avoid the temptation to speed.
2. Know who has right-of-way.
A big part of driver safety is knowing traffic laws. If there were no rules of the road, driving would become a free-for-all that would surely lead to innumerable accidents. Always be aware of what to do in these situations:
At a stop sign, whoever arrived first gets to go first. If two people arrive at a stop sign at the same time, the person to the right has the right-of-way. Do not speed up to a stop sign to beat someone there. Aggressive behavior like this might lead to road rage and even riskier behavior.
Do not speed to get through a stoplight. If you are already at the intersection when the light turns yellow, you can proceed. If you are not, you must use your best judgment regarding how quickly you can stop. If you have to slam your brakes to stop in time, continuing through the light is safer. However, know that a police officer can ticket you if you were in the intersection when the light turned red.
Whenever you see a yield sign, other cars have the right of way. You must let the other drivers pass first if they are present.
3. Know when you can pass.
As a driver, you should always be aware if you are in a No Passing zone. If there are two lines down the middle of the road, you may not pass.
Never pass a school bus that has its Stop sign out.
If you are in a passing zone, make sure you are clear to pass before switching lanes. If there are cars approaching in the lane you are about to enter, you should wait.