As California’s population is getting closer to 40 million, driving,
especially in southern counties, has become quite challenging due to
heavy traffic regardless of “rush hours”. Californians enjoy driving
except when we get into a frustrating heavy traffic which appears to be
endless. Many motorists drive fast and aggressively change lanes in
hope of getting to their destination.
However, no matter how fast we try to get to work, home, or an
appointment, driving fast would only save us a minute or two. You can
confirm this hypothesis when one activates the navigation system and
attempts to get to his/her destination by driving fast. He or she could
save only 2 to 3 minutes at the most.
The essential question we should always ask ourselves, “is it worth
driving fast when the likelihood of getting into an accident increases
substantially”. Then, surely we would be facing the consequences of
potential bodily injuries; causing damage to the vehicle; ending up at
an Emergency Room or a hospital; seeking and attending health care
providers; losing time off from work; unable to attend to our daily
chores or responsibilities; and most certainly enduring pain and
suffering which might last months or years if not permanently.
Therefore, it behooves us to develop the right state of mind whenever
we sit behind the wheel in reminding ourselves to slow down and drive
defensively to minimize the risk of having been involved in an auto or
motorcycle collision which we consequently would be facing the
consequences.
The following necessary steps should and must be taken in order to
safeguard ourselves and our passengers from unnecessary collisions
and injuries when driving:
SLOW DOWN
Reduce your speed and give yourself more time to react to road
conditions particularly during rainy or wet weather driving;
MAINTAIN A DISTANCE FROM OTHER VEHICLES
Always maintain sufficient distance when following behind other
vehicles. You must leave a distance of one car length for each 10
miles per hour when following another vehicle. Avoid making fast and
quick lane changes and make sure it is safe to do so;
APPROACHING AND ENTERING INTERSECTIONS
Constantly exercise vigilance when approaching and entering
intersections. Be extra attentive to the traffic signs, pedestrians, and
for other vehicles; and
AVOID ANY DISTRACTIONS
Concentrate on the road and road conditions when driving. DO NOT
be distracted such as using your cell phone, navigation system or
adjusting your media/entertainment feature.