Nervous Driver? Here are 7 Ways to Stay Protected on the Road

Driving can be extremely enjoyable if you have an open road to explore and a vehicle you love spending time in. For some, driving and cars are passions and hobbies, and for others, they may simply be a means to get from A to B. 

No matter how you feel about driving, staying safe and protected when doing so is key. 

1. Invest in a Reliable Vehicle

It’s always worth taking the time to do your research on reliable vehicles within your budget. While you may not always be able to afford a newer model, you may want to take extra time to save up a little more if there is a more reliable model you have your eye on. The more reliable your vehicle, the less likely it is to run into problems on the road or break down. 

2. Commit to Regular Maintenance Checks

This is especially important before long drives but also as part of an ongoing routine. Good maintenance checks to keep you and your vehicle safe should include:

• Checking all lights are working
• Checking fluid levels
• Checking your brakes
• Maintaining correct tire pressure

3. Plan Your Routes

A well-planned route means peace of mind. You’ll know exactly where you’re going, which signs to watch out for and which roads to take. Without route planning, you can easily panic, get stressed, or get distracted trying to find signs or landmarks.

4. Adjust Your Trip Based on Weather Conditions

There are good road practices you should adopt no matter the weather, but when the weather turns more severe, these will need to be a priority. Extreme weather such as snow, rain, and storms can change the driving experience completely. 

Reacting to bad weather as a driver should include:

• Giving yourself extra time for any journeys
• Checking weather reports before you leave and during the journey
• Ensuring your car is in working order, such as fog lamps and wipers working as they should
• Switching to snow tires if applicable for your vehicle
• Maintaining a larger distance between the car in front

5. Always Expect the Worst of Other Drivers

It would be great to think that everyone is a safe and responsible driver, but it’s never the case. Always assuming the worst about other drivers will help you to stay protected. This could be assuming that they might not signal before a turn, expecting that they might pull out of a side road without warning, or that they won’t leave a safe enough stopping distance. 

No matter your own efforts, accidents can always happen due to the unsafe driving of others. If you find yourself in a car accident, protect yourself by seeking legal aid; with a car accident lawyer St Louis, experts can help you seek compensation. 

6. Never Drive When Tired 

There may be occasions when you need to drive when not feeling your best, perhaps a very early start or a very late work finish. Consider carefully if you’re in a fit state to drive, and if you become tired in the middle of a long journey, always pull over to a safe spot to get some rest. 

7. Know Your Own Distractions

Set up your own driving space in your vehicle to eliminate distractions. If you know that your phone screen is going to distract you with incoming alerts, put your phone out of sight or disconnect from your vehicle. Think about the volume of your music, too, if you know you struggle with loud music when driving.