Getting into a car accident - even if no one gets hurt - is still a pretty terrible feeling and an extremely stressful situation. And the stress doesn't end with the accident; it drags on as you contact insurance and work through the claim process, as well as try to find auto repairs to repair the damage from the collision. However, an easy way to avoid all of this is to do your best to NOT get into a car accident in the first place. Toyota of Orlando is here with defensive driving tips to help you do just that.
Tip #1: Don't engage in distracted driving. We're all guilty of it, but that doesn't mean you should excuse yourself for it. Put away your phone, stop playing with the radio, don't eat meals behind the wheel, and avoid turning to talk to your passengers. You should have both hands on the wheel and both eyes on the road at all times. Stop texting while driving!
Tip #2: Never drive when you're sleepy or intoxicated. Never, ever get behind the wheel when you're intoxicated - no excuses. Call a designated driver or get an Uber. You should have a zero-tolerance policy with yourself when it comes to drinking and driving. Similarly, don't drive when you're fatigued... this is nearly as bad as drinking and driving. Pull over to stop for the night, take a nap, or wait until you're less tired to hit the road.
Tip #3: Watch other drivers. One tenet of defensive driving is that you react to avoid an accident rather than reacting as it's happening to you. This means you should pay close attention to other drivers and what they're doing as you scan the road ahead and around you. This will allow you to react more quickly should you need to get out of the way.
Tip #4: Use the four-second rule. Use the four-second rule when you're behind the wheel to ensure you have enough space between your Orlando Toyota and the car in front of you. Basically, watch as the vehicle in front of you passes an object, like a street sign or a tree. You should be able to count to four before you pass that same object. If you pass it before you get to four, you need to slow down and allow more space.
Tip #5: Know and follow the basic rules of driving. Follow basic driving rules as part of your defensive driving tactics. Follow the speed limit, use your turn signals, come to complete stops at stop signs and red lights, etc. The more you follow the rules, the safer you and the drivers around you will be.
Want more defensive driving tips? We've got you covered. Call Toyota of Orlando's Collision Center at (407) 298-6006 or stop by! We're conveniently located at 3575 Vineland Road, just off I-4 across from the Millenia Mall.
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