11 tips for safe driving in traffic

Frits Pieper
23 jun 2015

Damage to your car is always annoying, especially in the case of a rental car. But it can be even worse when it is the result of an accident – ​​especially when you could have prevented the accident. A common piece of advice is often to drive carefully. But driving carefully alone is not enough. In fact, driving too carefully is also not good. It is about making choices while driving that benefit you and other road users. Driving confidently is driving safely.

That is why we are giving you a number of them below tips on how to drive safely: this is how you get on the road safely!

1. Never let yourself be rushed

You've probably experienced it: a driver who sticks to your bumper, honks, or simply exhibits annoying driving behavior. As annoying as it can be: don't get into it. You are endangering yourself and others. It is better to give this driver space or let him pass. He will probably arrive at his destination only one minute earlier - or maybe not at all.

2. Never drive doubtfully

We mentioned it above: driving carefully is not the solution. Caution quickly becomes accompanied by doubt. This is not safe in traffic, doubt leads to unrest and uncertainty for your fellow road users. So start from your logical mind and make a choice based on that. Is your choice wrong and do you miss a turn for example? That's just the way it is. In any case, you have no risk taken by doubting, which would result in dangerous situations.

3. Check your tires

Under-inflated tires are not only bad for your fuel consumption, but mainly for the grip you have on the road surface. What can be the consequences? A longer braking distance and a chance of Skidding which is considerably larger than intended. Our tip: just check the tire pressure once a month, then there is nothing wrong.

4. Adjust everything to your person

By this we mean the adjusting your mirrors and driver's seat. You should always be able to see well in the rearview mirror, as well as the side mirrors. To adjust the side mirrors properly, you can use the rule of thumb that you should be able to see a small part of the door handle of the back door. That way you have the best view of what is happening behind you.

5. No social media while driving

This is a problem of the last few years. WhatsApp, e-mail, Facebook: your messages keep coming in while you're driving. Still, checking your phone while driving is not an option and life threatening. Use your Bluetooth when you want to answer a call – you can connect it to your car radio.

6. Preset navigation

A navigation system has the same problem as a smartphone: you look at a screen and therefore not at the road. Moreover, setting a GPS system while driving is always a guarantee for stressful moments. Therefore, enter your destination in advance in your navigation system and not while driving.

7. Follow the traffic rules?

Haven't driven a car for a while? Or do you know that you're not that well informed about all the traffic rules (traffic rules change over the years)? Then it might be a good idea to theory can still be grasped. Also consider taking a refresher course to brush up on all the traffic rules.

8. Make sure you drive defensively

In addition to responsible and safe driving, there is another special way of driving a car: defensive driving. This means that you look ahead during various situations and estimate what other drivers are going to do. Preparation is half the battle: also while driving. When you position yourself defensively you prevent a lot.

9. Take the weather into account

Each season has different weather conditions. Be prepared for these differences, because they often cause accidents. In the winter you have to take snow and slippery conditions into account, this can cause you to lose more time with the preparations for driving a car. But also in the autumn you must take the weather into account.

10. Enough fuel

Make sure you always have enough fuel in the tank. This gives you extra peace of mind that you can use when you can't find your way, for example. When you notice that you have little fuel left, it is advisable to use our tips so that you not run out of gas.

11. Make sure you are fit

When you are sick or tired it is not wise to drive a car. Also during the pregnancy are there things you need to take into account?

With these tips you can safely hit the road. Also read our tips about the prevent car theft, so you can start your ride without any problems.


Want to respond to the above article? Post your comment below!

3 comments

  1. Thyme on May 26, 2017 at 10:11 AM

    I think most of the misery comes from people who are agitated and in a hurry to participate in traffic. And the social media drivers. Life-threatening.

  2. Driving school Eindhoven on July 12, 2020 at 17:08 PM

    Good piece of text, I always tell this to my students

  3. Marie on July 16, 2020 at 10:14 PM

    I also notice that good preparation helps you to go on the road more safely. I always make sure that I am fit and know how to drive. If I do not know the way, or have not set my navigation properly, I can drive hesitantly. Of course you do not want that.

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