Avoid Accidents
Since accidents can be costly both in time and physical pain and financial expense, you should do all you can to avoid them. That sounds simple. However, you are not the only person or vehicle on the road. So, stay alert!
I want to offer some simple advice that has helped me along the way. Travel can be fun if you have the right perspective to deal with road conditions and the other drivers. After all, my goal is to help you build a better mindset for money, which also entails saving on medical costs by taking steps to stay healthy.
Offensive or Defensive Driving?
My own observation is that drivers, in general, have become more offensive since the COVID-19 crisis caused a reduction in policing capacity. There must be a study somewhere to verify what I have observed. More vehicles seem to be speeding on the major highways. And with fewer sightings of vehicles being pulled over, that is likely to continue. That is not just offensive, it is aggressive driving habits added to distracted drivers, which means we have a dangerous situation!
How do you avoid this danger? The answer is determined by how much you value your safety and the safety of others on the highway. Becoming more aware of your driving habits and the habits of other vehicle drivers, including long vehicles and wide-load vehicles and emergency vehicles, is important for your safety perspective.
Observe to Avoid
The last thing you will ever want to be a part of is road rage! People living with frustration, hardship, or just running late for work, are easily upset when your actions interfere with what they want to do or where they want to go.
If you are observant, you will notice when someone is driving aggressively. They tend to drive faster than those around them and cut in and out of traffic. Of course, their actions may offend you. The key is how you react to them!
If you find that you want to teach them a lesson and start speeding up to keep up with them, you will have initiated some road rage! That is NOT defensive driving!
I want to pass along an observation offered by Jim Rohn, a well-known motivational speaker. He noted that some things are out of our control. And, when we recognize them, we must learn how to react to them in such a way as not to interfere with what we need to focus on to improve our prospects. Then, he addressed aggressive drivers. You cannot change what they do so label them for what they are. They are the “cutter offers” and the “go arounders”! That perspective helped me a lot as I traveled more in retirement.
Now, when I am on the highway, I look for the “go arounders” and move out of their way and even slow down a little as they pass me to make it easier on them! They keep going without agitation and I am less bothered by their aggressive behavior because that is just what they do because they are “go arounders”.
A Little Patience
Being patient is hard for some people because it has the connotation of waiting on others. And, in a way, that is correct. However, being patient in your driving could save your life or the lives of others.
By being patient, it is essential for you to be aware of your surroundings and to prepare for a safer operating environment for your vehicle.
Safe vehicle operation depends on your awareness of what is around you. Look ahead. Is there any potential danger such as a vehicle about to pull out from a side street, etc.? Look behind. Is there a vehicle driving aggressively where you will need to get out of their way? What about an emergency vehicle with lights and sirens, are you prepared to pull off the road or give them the right of way?
Look left and right. Can you see in your “blind spots” if there is a vehicle about to come along side of you? Sudden moves with a vehicle in your “blind spots” have caused many accidents.
Be patient. Be alert. No daydreaming. Be careful using the phone, only hands free is best. You are driving a machine that can do a lot of damage if not kept under control. Be respectful of that and stay safe.
Be Kind
Being kind has a slightly different perspective than just being patient. Kindness relates to the other drivers as people and their place in life.
They may be old or physically impaired and not driving the speed limit, etc. Be kind. They will not be able to drive that vehicle much longer. Give them some room and pass when you must but do it with kindness and respect for them reaching that age.
Keep a safe distance when following someone. They may not be going as fast as you want them to. However, if they suddenly must slow down or stop, you may find yourself paying for damages and medical bills. Did you mean to hurt them? That will be settled in court!
Give notice with signals. Are you not offended by someone changing lanes or making a turn without giving a signal? Be kind. Make sure you use your signals!
Make Room for Big Vehicles
In my working career, I had the experience of managing a fleet of tractor trailer rigs and forty union truck drivers. That experience brought me closer to truck drivers and their challenges driving those big rigs on the highway.
In retirement, I pulled a fifth wheel RV for ten months, which gave me more hands-on experience with moving, turning, and parking a tandem rig nearly 45 feet long!
Then, recently, I drove a school bus for two years. It was a long bus and turning took some planning. The curbs were hard to miss. I took some longer trips, with highway travel. The bus has difficulty keeping up with other traffic.
So, why am I sharing that bit of my driving related history with you? I want to help you understand why you need to be patient and kind to big vehicles. They have their own set of limitations that you need to be aware of to help them make moves on the highway and turns when you are following them or coming towards them.
It takes time for big vehicles to turn. They are long and the height can often be a concern for a possible rollover due to centrifugal force. That is limited science talk for giving them space and time to make their turns. How would you like their responsibility?
Another point of concern and frustration on the highway is for long vehicles to change lanes. Be patient. Be kind. Back off a little and flash your headlights to let them know it is okay to pull over. Often, they will flash their taillights as a thank you!
Wide loads on big rigs are a reason to be extra careful. There will be less room to pass, either way on a two-lane road and to go around on a divided highway. Be patient and plan your move.
Driving Is a Privilege
We often lose sight of the fact that driving is a privilege. We are reminded of that fact when we renew our driver’s license. States have you renew your driver’s license since they want to be sure you can still see others on the road. They want you to be safe along with others.
When you retire, you may want to travel, most likely in a vehicle. If you do it safely, you can drive for many years. Accidents can interfere with your good health and your potential adventures.
I am hopeful that you can keep a good perspective on safe driving in your travels. I want you to be able to see the many sights available to us when we take trips with our vehicles!