Safety Tips For Driving

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) –

  • Approximately 1.3 million people die each year as a result of road traffic crashes.
  • Road traffic crashes cost most countries 3% of their gross domestic product.
  • Road traffic injuries are the leading cause of death for children and young adults aged 5-29 years.

The above data (quoted directly from the WHO website) stresses on the importance of road safety. It is unfortunate that discussions around road safety have never taken off in a way it deserves to. Here, we have tried our best to list down a few safety tips that can go a long way to make your driving experience a safe and a happy one.

Put on your Seat Belt

Seat belts are not just any ordinary belt. It is a life saving mechanism that keeps your body fixed to the seats, at times of impact with any external object. Such is the importance of these that it should be in your muscle memory to put on seat belts the moment you enter your vehicle.

Anti-glare Driving Glasses

Anti-glare driving glasses are the most underrated safety device. As drivers, we are bound to encounter glare due to light’s reflection off obstacles on the way, the headlights of other vehicles and any other light source. Foggy or hazy conditions also increase the probabilities of glare.

Anti-glare glasses are highly effective in reducing glare to almost nil. These glasses utilise polarised lenses to restrict the reflection of light off the surface of the lens, thereby providing a clear vision.

Polarised lenses should not be confused with photochromic lenses. Photochromic lenses – also referred to as light-adaptive lenses – perform the function of both prescription eyeglasses and sunglasses. Although it does help with glare to some extent, it is not as effective as polarised lenses. For the purpose of driving, you cannot look beyond polarised lenses.

Prescription Eyeglasses

White anti-glare driving glasses are a must for all, some may even require prescription eyeglasses. An eye test should be a routine activity for drivers. You just cannot compromise on this front. You can avail the free eye test service provided by certain e-commerce sites in the UK.

Once you are prescribed eyeglasses, you should waste no time in getting a pair for yourself and mandatorily put them on, whenever you take to the driving seat.

If you think prescription eyeglasses are boring and not a fit for the cool activity of driving, you definitely need a rethinking. You always have the freedom to experiment with various styles of glasses frame. From the ever fashionable wayfarer style to the glassy transparent glasses, all are here to up your style game.

If you already own a pair of prescription glasses, you can send it for reglazing and get it modified with a polarised lens. Basically, the features of sight correction and anti-glare can be combined in a single pair of eyeglasses.

Helmets for Head

Many of us prefer the thrill that comes from riding bikes than the not so exciting cars. But the risk component on bikes is also higher, considering that the rider is more exposed to external obstacles.

Safety equipment like knee and elbow guards may be optional, depending on the purpose for which you are riding, but there is no room to compromise on helmets, which are a must for the protection of your sensitive head.

A Bluetooth Earbuds

Unless it’s really urgent, you should avoid making or receiving phone calls while driving. But when the need arises, always use bluetooth earbuds connected to your mobile phones. This is not only safe but also very convenient.

And yes, using your earbuds for listening to music while driving is a big NO. Instead, turn on your stereo system.

Road Manners

None of the above stated tips will be effective, if you don’t get your road manners right. With vehicular traffic only projected to rise in the near future, road manners have become more important than ever.

Halting at the red light, following overtaking norms or even staying away from alcohol consumption while driving, you need to take care of everything.