According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), there are approximately 227.5 million licensed drivers in the U.S., which means 84.1% of the population drives a vehicle; however, having a license doesn`t mean everyone who drives a car, drives safely or is reliable on the road.

Common mistakes

SPEEDING

Sometimes you are in a hurry (not always); you may be tempted to exceed speed limits when nobody is watching and there are no surveillance cameras on the way, so you do it. There is no harm in it (so you think). Well, speeding is the second highest cause of vehicle deaths after alcohol. Speeding is aggressive driving behavior; it is more than breaking the law; it is risking your life and others. Speeding increases stopping distance after you perceive danger as well as multiplying the degree of crash severity leading to serious injuries. Finally, speeding increases fuel consumption.

TEXTING

“It`ll only take 5 seconds.”- you say. Five seconds is all it takes when your attention is not on the road as it involves all three types of distraction: visual, manual, and cognitive. Texting is one of the most common and dangerous driver distractions. Talking on cellphones, texting, or using electronic devices while operating a motor vehicle takes the focus off the road and puts yourself and others at risk.

DISTRACTED DRIVING

16% of traffic accidents are caused by distractions like messing with the radio or GPS, trying to control children, smoking or eating, and of course, flirting while passing by. Remember drivers! Eyes on the road!

DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE

 Yes, we know you are a responsible driver, but what harm can it do driving after having one or two cups of wine? Alcohol can impair your ability to fully function as a driver (as well as drugs, narcotics, prescriptions, and over-the-counter drugs). Visual acuity is reduced, and peripheral vision is also affected. Judgment and reaction are significantly impaired, altering distance and depth perception.

TAILGATING

Tailgating is considered aggressive driving and also a consequence of distracted driving. Driving too close to another car is a dangerous behavior as it leaves you a little time to slow down when the lead driver hits the brakes. Tailgating is particularly risky when the road is wet or when running at high speeds.

RUNNING RED LIGHTS

¿Distracted? ¿Reckless? ¿An emergency? Whatever the reason, go barreling through an intersection can result in a catastrophic collision. It is an enormous danger for the driver, his passengers, and other vehicles on the road. If your answer is yes to one or more of the above, you might get in a car accident, get a fine, and or jailed.

HOW TO BE SAFE ON THE ROAD?

Driving can be a pleasant experience. Here are some recommendations from M&M VEHICLE TRANSPORT to enjoy your driving:

• Be as comfortable as possible when driving: adjust the mirror, seat, and temperature. Always wear your seatbelt.
• Keep a positive attitude while you, take a deep breath, and relax.
• Select your favorite music and play it before you hit the road.
• Do a mental review of everything you need to bring so you don`t forget anything.
• Schedule your time. Leave early, arrive 10 minutes before the appointed time, so you don`t have to speed or be stressed.
• Be friendly to pedestrians and treat other drivers as you would like to be treated.
• Obey all traffic signs.
• Stay focused. Driving is an activity that requires your five senses.
• Be sure you know the route and the time it will take to your destination.

Finally, remember: you have the control, it`s in your hands to make the journey a pleasant one.

“A driver is a king on a vinyl bucket-seat throne, changing direction with the turn of a wheel, changing the climate with a flick of the button, changing the music with the switch of a dial”

ANDREW H. MALCOLM