Last year, we looked at defensive driving and how failure to adhere to the unwritten road rules can result to tragic accidents. We also examined the ways to avoid and stay away from carjackers. Well, I hope the tips did help you especially those living in areas prone to carjacking.
Back to the fight against road carnage, one of the leading causes of death in Africa and wide today, we will explore additional tips to avoid road accidents. Although it remains a collective responsibility for all to reduce traffic accidents, there’s much that you, as an individual driver can do to at least keep yourself safe on the road. Here, we look at the invaluable tips to do so.
Place hands on the 3 and 9 o’clock position while driving
Thecorrect postion to hole the driving wheel.
Image Source: www.driversedguru.com
Mostly ignored, but this is not an easy tip. It has been found that a driver has the best control of the car while holding the wheel on the 3 and 9 o’clock positions. Additionally, the driver can effect a swerve the quickest, while starting from this position, as opposed from the other common ones such as the ‘both hands at 12 o’clock’ and ‘both hands at 6 o’clock’. The position ensures maximum attention of the driver is maintained all through.
Avoiding the fastest lanes
Take the lane that allows you to travel at lower and manageable speeds.
Image Source: en.wikipedia.org
A rather obvious tip; avoiding the fast drivers’ racecourse! High speeds impede the driver’s ability to control the car and possibly evade a fluid situation. Many accidents have been caused, not surprisingly by over speeding, and this surely underscores the tip above. Simply put, let the running drivers rush, exercise restraint and maximum caution while you can afford.
Driver seat positioning
Upright, the best driving position to avoid fatigue.
Image Source: www.saabsunited.com
Faint as it sounds, the position of the driver’s seat with respect to the driving wheel means a lot. It determines the fatigue on the driver! Fatigue affects the concentration, whose loss means higher risk of an accident. It has been observed that driving in a withdrawn position is more likely to lead to an accident as opposed to driving with the body sitting straight and nearer to the driving wheel. You should of course ensure that your safety belts are tightened appropriately before assuming this position.
Mind your car’s health!
Believe it or not, this one is moving!
Image source: funfunky.com
This sums the question of unroad-worthiness especially in Africa. When your car is in good shape, you can easily tell its limits. You know how quickly it can accelerate or decelerate and by extension whether you will safely exit a hazardous situation or not. The braking system is also predictable, and you’ll less likely suffer from unexpected break failures! Resulting is a big reduction in accident risks.
Focus ahead
Some of the main causes of accidents. Image Source: http://www.drivinglife.org
Avalanche accidents are a common phenomenon. They result when drivers focus just on the vehicle ahead, and ignore the situation of the traffic in front of the vehicle ahead. Consequently, should there be an accident just yards in front, all the cars following in the lane ram into each other’s back. Keep scanning the entire road ahead, avoid phone calls and other distractions, so you can see danger and act early.
AfroAutos hopes that these tips will help you drive more safely, and help eliminate more accidents on our roads.
