Traffic Survival Guide: Tips to Stay Calm & Safe on the Road
Today’s roads are filled with distractions, speeding drivers, and unexpected conditions that put even the most experienced drivers to the test. This traffic survival guide is your roadmap to overcoming these challenges! Discover the biggest dangers you’re likely to encounter on the road — and our top tips on how to handle them.
Danger #1: Distracted Driving
Distracted driving, especially due to mobile phone use, is a leading cause of road accidents. It diverts attention from the road ahead of you, increasing the risk of collisions.
What to do:
Eliminate one of the biggest driving distractions by setting your phone to “Do Not Disturb.” Plan your route and set up your navigation and entertainment systems beforehand so you don’t need to fiddle with screens and buttons once you’re behind the wheel. Always prioritize the road ahead over any distractions from inside the car.
Danger #2: Speeding
Speeding is another all-too-common factor in road accidents and fatalities. When you’re going too fast, you lower your ability to react to sudden changes and potentially increase the severity of crashes.
What to do:
Speed limits are carefully chosen to ensure optimal road safety, so adhere to the posted limits at all times, especially in areas with high pedestrian activity. Use cruise control on highways to maintain a steady, safe speed.
Danger #3: Aggressive Driving
Aggressive driving, including behaviors like tailgating and erratic lane changes, can quickly lead to an accident. In extreme cases, it can even escalate to road rage, creating a hazardous environment for everyone on the road.
What to do:
Remain calm and do not engage with aggressive drivers. Maintain a safe distance and, if necessary, alter your route to avoid them. Report highly aggressive behavior to the authorities after carefully pulling over to a safe area.
Danger #4: Driving Under the Influence
Studies show impaired driving is involved in approximately one-third of all traffic-related deaths in the United States. It significantly reduces reaction times, impairs judgment, and decreases the ability to make safe driving decisions.
What to do:
Do NOT drive at all if you’ve consumed alcohol or drugs. Always plan to have a designated driver or use public transportation. Additionally, be vigilant for signs of impaired drivers, like swerving and inconsistent speeds, and keep a safe distance, reporting the vehicle to the authorities if necessary.
Danger #5: Poor Weather Conditions
Arizona may be known for its dry, sunny climate, but it’s still no stranger to adverse weather like rain, sand, fog, and snow in the northern regions. These conditions can reduce visibility and vehicle control, impacting the safety of everyone on the road.
What to do:
In poor weather, reduce your speed and increase your following distance. Use headlights and windshield wipers to improve visibility. Stay informed about weather conditions before your journey, too. If it looks like the weather will create hazardous conditions, avoid going out at all if possible.
Danger #6: Poor Road Conditions
Poor road conditions, including potholes and debris, can damage motor vehicles and cause accidents, especially when cars travel at high speeds.
What to do:
Drive cautiously and at reduced speeds on damaged roads. Keep your vehicle well-maintained to better handle rough conditions, and always stay alert for road signs indicating potential hazards ahead.
Driving School: Enhancing Road Safety
Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned driver, attending a driving school can give you comprehensive strategies for handling road dangers. Driver’s education courses, often targeted at new drivers, lay the foundational skills and knowledge necessary for safe driving. Defensive driving schools take this a step further. Designed for drivers who already have some experience, these courses focus on advanced techniques to avoid accidents and handle unexpected situations. They are not only beneficial for personal safety but can help drivers dismiss a ticket, lower insurance costs, and improve their driving record.
Traffic survival school (TSS) serves a slightly different purpose. Drivers are required to attend if they have committed specific traffic violations or received a court order. TSS classes provide corrective training, aiming to address and rectify the behaviors that led to the violations. They delve into the consequences of dangerous driving habits, such as speeding, driving under the influence, or aggressive driving. By focusing on both the legal ramifications and the potential for harm, traffic survival school courses aims to reform driving behaviors, ensuring that participants understand the gravity of their actions and the importance of making safer choices on the road.
Get the skills you need to take on any obstacle the road throws at you. Register for a driver’s education course today.
