Driving on South Carolina’s roads and highways exposes drivers to potential accidents that can cause injuries and damage. Defensive driving techniques allow drivers to anticipate hazardous situations and take proactive measures to prevent collisions. This article will provide defensive driving tips to help South Carolina motorists stay safe.
Obey Traffic Laws
One of the best ways to avoid accidents is to obey all traffic laws and signs. This includes:
- Driving at or below the posted speed limit
- Coming to a full stop at stop signs and red lights
- Yielding right of way when appropriate
- Using turn signals when changing lanes or turning
- Following all laws regarding passing other vehicles
While these may seem obvious, failure to follow traffic laws is a major cause of accidents in South Carolina. Defensive drivers make a habit of driving lawfully. Going above posted speed limits is particularly dangerous and significantly increases accident risk. Always be mindful of speed limits and do not exceed them.
Allow Ample Following Distance
Rear-end collisions are one of the most common types of accidents. Allowing ample following distance from the vehicle in front of you can prevent these. Experts recommend keeping at least 3-4 seconds of following distance from the car ahead. This cushion of space gives you extra time to react and brake if the other driver slows or stops unexpectedly.
In inclement weather like rain or fog, increase following distance even more. Give other drivers plenty of room and avoid tailgating. If another vehicle merges in front of you, gently decelerate to re-establish a safe following buffer zone.
Scan Surroundings and Check Blind Spots
Defensive driving means being aware of your surroundings at all times. Frequently check all mirrors so you know where other vehicles are around you. Scan the road ahead for potential slowdowns. Glance over your shoulder to eliminate blind spots before changing lanes or merging.
Give extra attention near intersections, parking lots, and driveways, where other drivers may pull out suddenly. Watch for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists in particular. Anticipate what other road users might do and you’ll be ready to respond safely.
Drive Slowly in Bad Weather
Rain, fog, snow, and ice can make roads slippery and reduce visibility. When driving in adverse weather conditions, go slowly, keep extra distance from other vehicles, and increase your following distance. Also, turn your headlights on so other motorists can see you.
Be especially careful when roads are wet, as this leads to hydroplaning where tires lose contact with the road. If possible, avoid driving during severe storms altogether. Take weather conditions into account and adjust your driving accordingly.
Avoid Distractions
Driver inattention is a factor in many South Carolina crashes. Distracted driving activities like texting, eating, adjusting the radio, or attending to kids can take your eyes and focus off the road. Even brief distractions can lead to accidents in an instant.
Limit potential distractions before driving. Then focus solely on driving while behind the wheel. If you need to attend to something else, first pull over completely to a safe location. Don’t let anything divert your eyes or mind from driving safely. Set your GPS, queue up music, and address kids’ needs before departing.
Don’t Drive Under the Influence
Driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs is extremely dangerous for all motorists. Even small amounts of intoxicants can impair reaction time, judgment, coordination and other skills essential for safe driving.
Never operate a vehicle if you have consumed alcohol or intoxicating substances. Arrange alternate transportation like a rideshare service or taxi if you cannot drive sober. Protect yourself and others by driving 100% alcohol and drug-free.
Stay Alert and Avoid Drowsy Driving
Fatigue and drowsiness reduce driver alertness and slow reaction times considerably. Drowsy driving greatly raises the chance of an accident. Make sure you are well-rested before getting behind the wheel. Also, avoid driving late at night when you are most apt to feel tired.
If you feel sleepy as you drive, stop and rest as soon as possible. Rolling down a window or playing upbeat music can also help combat drowsiness temporarily. But do not rely on quick fixes. The real solution is to pull over and take a break until you feel fully awake again. Stop driving if you are having trouble keeping your eyes open.
Maintain Your Vehicle Properly
Cars with defective or worn components are more prone to breakdowns and accidents. Take your vehicle to a trusted mechanic for regular maintenance and service. Check tire pressure and tread depth frequently, and replace worn tires. Make sure your headlights, tail lights, turn signals and brake lights are all in working order.
By keeping your vehicle well-maintained, you reduce the chance of a part failure leading to a collision. Neglecting upkeep exacerbates normal wear-and-tear and can create hazardous defects.
Practice Defensive Driving Skills
Make defensive driving second nature by practicing these techniques regularly. Leave ample space around your vehicle, pay close attention to your surroundings, obey all traffic laws, and adjust for weather and road conditions. Stay focused solely on driving anytime you are behind the wheel.
Defensive habits like these can go a long way toward keeping you safe and avoiding accidents, even when other drivers are reckless or careless. With vigilance and practice, defensive driving becomes automatic.
South Carolina has relatively high rates of collisions, injuries, and traffic fatalities. But defensive driving techniques like the ones described here can significantly reduce your risks. By staying alert, avoiding distractions, obeying traffic laws, and driving sober and well-rested, you are less likely to cause an accident.
Defensive driving also prepares you to react appropriately if another motorist makes a mistake. Please drive carefully and encourage your loved ones to do the same. South Carolina roads can be safer if we all do our part.
Contact Us Today
If you or a family member were injured in a car accident that was not your fault, contact the experienced car accident attorneys at Monge & Associates for a free consultation. With 32 offices in 19 states including South Carolina, Utah, and Washington, we have helped thousands of injured victims get the compensation they deserve after car, truck and motorcycle crashes. Call (888) 477-0597 now to learn more.