How Driving Smarter Can Lead to Safer Roads and Lower Costs

Dan Ross

By Dan Ross

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Driving a vehicle is a skill that allows people to access a far greater amount of mobility, which helps enhance one’s quality of life and productivity. 

With that said, getting to a high level of driving proficiency can take time and effort. But it’s worth it. If you fail to uphold safety practices while driving, you can increase the risk of accidents, reduce your vehicle’s lifespan, or incur extra fuel costs.

Learning how to drive smart is all about following the best driving habits and making the most of your vehicle’s built-in technologies. Features such as GPS navigation, automatic headlights, and fuel efficiency can help, but they’re no match for a skilled driver.

If you want to reduce driving costs and decrease your risk of accidents on the road, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll teach you tips to help you uphold better car safety practices that can save you a sizable figure when you’re out on the road.

Let’s take a look at these driving habits in closer detail.

5 Driving Practices to Stay Safe on the Road

Be Predictable While Driving

Driving on public roads means sharing your space with other drivers and commuters. When driving your vehicle, especially during rush hour, it’s essential to maintain a steady and predictable speed and path. 

Moving suddenly and unexpectedly can increase the risk of accidents. This is especially true on highways where cars tend to move quickly and in a straight line.

To create a safe road environment, always have some leeway to give other drivers a chance to react. This way, you’ll ensure the safety of all drivers as well as maintain a smooth flow of traffic within the road.

Use Communication Tools

Drivers can’t read your minds or predict your movements. That’s what some tools in your dashboards are for. Every car has built-in features such as a turn signal, brake lights, a horn, and hazard lights that drivers can utilise to let other drivers know their intentions. 

To ensure the safety of all road users, use these tools whenever you need to alert other drivers of your intentions. If you’re about to make a right or left turn, use the turn signal accordingly. If you want to gently tell drivers that a stoplight has turned green, use the horn. If you intend to pass, use the headlights to communicate your desire.

In some cases, you can even have brief moments of seeing the other driver through the window. You can let them know your intentions through non-verbal cues. By doing this, you’ll prevent the risk of accidents and help maintain a safe road for everyone.

Follow Road Signs

Another way to maintain a safe and orderly road environment is by following road signs. These road signs have been placed in strategic areas to ensure that the risk of collisions and accidents is low.

Ignoring road signs isn’t only a violable offence, but it can also increase the risk of being in the centre of an accident. For instance, going above a speed limit can leave you with little time to react if what immediately follows is a zebra crossing or a sharp curve.

Furthermore, yield signs or right-of-way signs also notify you of any upcoming conditions that will require immediate action on your part. Ignoring or neglecting them can increase the risk of an accident—and a potentially expensive repair and medical bill.

Therefore, stay alert for road conditions and upcoming road signs. This can help contribute to a safer and more efficient driving environment.

Avoid Distractions and Drunk Driving

Never attempt to drive with alcohol in your system or if you’re sleepy and fatigued. This will make you extremely accident-prone as your brain won’t be in its ideal state to react on time in case you need to suddenly make a decision on the road.

Furthermore, driving drunk also impairs your senses, coordination, and decision-making abilities. This can cause grave harm to you and others on the road. Sober up before you attempt to drive.

Besides that, using your phone or eating while driving can also be extremely risky. Just a few seconds off the road can make you miss a potential turn or car in front of you. If you want to keep safe behind the wheel, stay alert and focused the entire time you’re driving to reduce the chance of an accident.

Keep Your Distance

Another safety tip is to maintain a good amount of distance from the next vehicle when you’re on a public road or highway. A good rule is to stay three seconds behind the vehicle in front of you, as this amount of time gives you enough time to react in case it suddenly hits the brake pedal.

If you tailgate or follow the vehicle too closely, a sudden stop on its part can leave you with very little room to react. This can cause you to potentially collide with it, which can be dangerous and headache-inducing for both of you.

Furthermore, your visibility is also limited when driving too close to another vehicle. As such, ensure that you have a safe gap between you two to ensure safety for you and the car ahead.

5 Ways to Lower Costs While Driving

Happy family traveling by car

Refrain From Idling

Leaving your car on “Idle” can consume up to half a gallon of fuel per hour as the car’s engine (or battery) is still running. 

If your car is stuck in traffic for an unusually long time, then consider switching it off, particularly if you’re driving a modern car that doesn’t need to warm up.

Moreover, stopping from idling also keeps car emissions low, thus helping you keep your carbon footprint low. This tiny habit change can make you a more responsible driver.

Shop For the Best Car Insurance

Another way to save on costs when driving is by picking the best car insurance in the market. 

The “best” insurance, of course, is relative to one’s circumstances and financial capacity. Consider researching different insurance providers like ROLLiN’ Insurance and requesting quotes from each one. Remember, cheaper isn’t always better; consider the insurance term’s overall value proposition and its add-ons.

If you prioritise saving on costs, you should keep your driving record clean from accidents—the tips above can help you in that regard. A clean driving track record will signal to insurers that you’re a safe driver to insure, leading them to give you more favourable rates. 

You can also consider bundling different insurance policies like your home and car insurance with one provider, as they can give you a discount. Consider negotiating with different insurers to acquire better terms, and from there, pick the one that best aligns with your driving habits and lifestyle.

Undergo Regular Maintenance

Maintaining a vehicle that’s otherwise operational may seem like a waste of money, but it’s essential to extend your vehicle’s lifespan. At home, try to give it a good clean every couple of weeks.

Furthermore, bring your vehicle to a store or car repair shop twice a year or so. There, car repair specialists can give it the necessary care it deserves, such as oil changes, filter replacements, and brake checks.

If a specific part of your car is facing efficiency issues or is malfunctioning in some form, then prioritise bringing it to a car repair shop immediately. This will help keep your car in good shape and make it more efficient throughout its lifespan, whether it’s a Honda Civic or a Tesla 3. 

Inflate Car Tyres Regularly

Another way to help keep fuel consumption low is by ensuring that your tyres are properly inflated. If it’s under-inflated, rolling resistance can increase and your car will use up to 3% more fuel to compensate.

Invest in a tyre gauge and monitor your car’s tyre pressure every couple of hundred miles. If it’s below the correct pressure, inflate it accordingly. This way, you’ll be saving more on fuel costs and enjoy a longer tyre lifespan for your vehicle.

Adopt Eco-Friendly Driving Techniques

Finally, and most importantly, adopt driving techniques that lower fuel consumption. There are several ways you can do this.

One way is to avoid hard braking. Maintain a consistent speed on highways and don’t hard brake. Keep your vehicle moving through cruise control as much as possible to prevent your vehicle from consuming too much fuel.

You can also consider optimising your route to lessen your mileage. In doing so, you’ll make your travels more economical and sustainable—a win-win for your wallet and Mother Earth!

Dan Ross

Dan Ross

Dan Ross is an Automotive Engineer and blogger, He has experience in vehicle systems design, performance testing, and project management. With a passion for automotive excellence, he ensures high standards in design and safety. Through Intersection Magazine, Dan educates and connects with enthusiasts and professionals alike, sharing industry insights and updates.

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