What is the best thing that you can do today? The answer is simple: drive better. A safety video from an insurer illustrated this with a father arriving home to greet his daughters with emphasis on the fact that ‘the last trip of the day is the most important.’
Becoming a good driver today is better than waiting until tomorrow, next week or next month. The CEO of MasterDrive, Eugene Herbert, expands: “General George S. Patton says, ‘A good plan violently executed now, is better than a perfect plan executed next week,’ – which has greater relevance when applied to driving.
“Not driving better today may mean you never have an opportunity to do so. With four simple steps you can immediately start improving your driving. This not only plays a role in safely returning home but helps every trip in between end safely as well,” says Herbert.
- Start in drive
Avoid reversing out of parking spots. “While estimates vary, the consensus is that at least of 25% of collisions happen while reversing. In workplace accidents, this figure is significantly higher – up to 60%.
“As these collisions are often not as serious, their harm is often underestimated. As much as 11% of fatalities involve reverse driving. Additionally, there are significant financial impacts even with minor accidents.”
- Don’t drive distracted
While cellphones are a main culprit in driving while distracted, phones are not the only distraction. “Adjusting the radio, eating, smoking or vaping and daydreaming all increase your risk. Anything that removes cognitive or physical attention from driving reduces time to respond to obstacles.
“Even using Bluetooth reduces cognitive attention when driving. While your hands may be free, talking on Bluetooth increases cognitive load on attention and splits focus between two tasks,” says Herbert.
- Drive defensively
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in the USA estimates 94% of accidents are due to driver error. “Defensive driving raises awareness and prepares you to skilfully handle whatever happens on the road. It emphasises proactive awareness, cautious decision-making and gives drivers ample time and space to respond to emergencies.
“Driving defensively every time you get in your vehicle makes these driving behaviours second nature that you can rely on without even realising it,” says Herbert.
- Drive nice, it’s contagious
South Africans face many stressors, and it can be easy to take these into the car. “Whether rushing even if you are not late, feeling impatient with other drivers or responding negatively to their actions– all of this can quickly escalate.
“MasterDrive advocates: ‘Drive nice, it’s contagious.’ Giving other drivers allowances and being considerate helps you remain above their actions and arrive home safely,” says Herbert.
Do not just think about these four simple steps but implement them today because knowing something is great but doing it, is even better – and ultimately safer.
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