10 Ways to Improve Your Driving

Here at Core Rehab, even though your bad driving means business for us, if you’re from Las Vegas or Henderson you may be our neighbor, dentist, or you may teach our kids at school so although it means more business for us we see on a daily basis what car accidents can do to a person both physically and mentally. We encourage and promote safe driving as much as we can. A few tips or reminders can’t hurt your driving skills on the road. During the holiday season a lot of people are hitting the streets to visit family and friends. Here are ten ways to immediately improve your driving habits while taking those road trips. 

1.  Learn to scan the road at least a quarter of a mile ahead. This will help you anticipate and strategize for changing conditions and traffic. It is important to be aware of your surroundings so you can prepare for any situation. It will also give you a better following distance. (2-3 seconds is recommended)

2.  Don’t take up the left lane if there are drivers going faster than you. Move over to the right and let drivers pass. It is unlawful to travel in the left lane on highway unless you are passing.

3.  If you’re behind a tall delivery truck or a semi on streets with traffic lights, don’t follow too closely. If the truck runs a yellow light, you may not see that the light has turned red until the top of his vehicle clears the light and you’re smack in the middle of the intersection.

4.  Regardless of what else you may be doing in your car while driving, don’t take your eyes off the road for more than a second at a time. Less is better.

5.  Hesitation or indecision can be deadly at intersections and when changing lanes on the freeway. Be decisive and prompt in your intentions and actions. Always be sure to use your blinker when switching lanes to make others aware of your move.

6.  If you’re stopped for a red light at an intersection, quickly look both ways before you go on the green light to check for red-light runners. You can never be too safe even when the light is telling you that you are allowed to go. Other driver’s may not be paying attention. 

7.  Don’t brake unless it’s really necessary. Don’t accelerate unless it’s really necessary. Keeping a light foot on both pedals saves both gas and your brakes.

8.  Do not become distracted. Never, ever text when you’re driving. Texting has been proven to be more dangerous than driving under the influence of alcohol. The number one cause of car accidents is not a criminal that drove drunk, sped or ran a red light. Distracted drivers are the top cause of car accidents in the U.S. today.

9.  Think twice at intersections. Every time you push a yellow light, you may be forcing someone oncoming who is caught in the middle of the intersection to go on a red.

10.  When you parallel park or do a 3-point turn, crank the steering wheel in the direction you want before you start moving the car. It makes all the difference in the world.

If you have been in an accident because someone was not taking these tips seriously and do not know what to do next, you can call our office at (702)577-1962. Call us for medical attention or advice on what to do next including insurance and attorney questions.