6 Tips to Staying Safe on the Road

When you decide to join the masses on the road, there are several things that run through your mind. Firstly, with the numerous number of road accidents that happen daily, you wonder if you are safe. Secondly, you wonder whether or not you are competent enough to take on the responsibility. The primary concern of drivers all across the nation is safety and competency. A competent driver is a safe driver.

In order to reach the required level of competency on the roads, you must be in full knowledge of the traffic rules and regulations. When you are correctly informed, you will feel more confident and you will be more than halfway through to getting yourself a certified driver’s license.

Here are some tips to stay safe on the roads:

1. Traffic light signals

Traffic lights are put strategically on road intersections all over the state and are very important to the drivers and the pedestrians. They are used to control traffic effectively. There are three lights used, namely; red, amber and green. A red light means that you must come to a full stop behind the stop line. Amber light means caution when it turns on, it also means you should be ready for the go. A green light means go through the intersection but carefully and slowly.

2. Turning

It is advised that while you are driving, to keep as close to the left hand side of the road as may be expedient and to allow all traffic which is proceeding in the direction to pass on your right hand side. When turning left or right, drive in the closest lane available to the direction you desire to turn to.

3. Overtaking

When you want to overtake, always do it from the right direction of the motor vehicle you intend to pass. If the driver of the front vehicle indicates that he is turning right, then you should pass from the left side. To be safe, it is advisable not to overtake heavy vehicles or to obstruct their way because they need much space to either slow down or to stop.

4. Maintaining Distance

You are advised to maintain an adequate amount of distance from any vehicle driving ahead of you. This is to avoid collusions in case you have to stop or slow down suddenly. In some states, courses such as California drivers ed advise that you should never brake suddenly other than for emergency safety reasons.

5. Special obligations towards pedestrians

Drivers are advised to give pedestrians sufficient space on the road. If you are crossing a foot path or pavement, you should give way to pedestrians. At pedestrian crossings, you should always give way to pedestrians who are already on the crossing or those who are about to enter it.

6. Free passage

All road users should give way to emergency vehicles e.g. ambulances, police vehicles, fire engines when indicated by flashing blue or red lights and a siren. If necessary, you should come to a complete halt.

Once you decide to get familiar with and follow traffic rules and regulations, you will be safe and more confident on the road.

Charles Montegrow is a traffic instructor who is proficient in California drivers ed. He has worked both with the state of California and the Virginia state police.