Driving is a common activity most people do in their everyday lives. Some don’t even check if the car is safe to drive because they’re already used to it. It’s not something new, and you can be complacent if you’re doing it most of the time: going to school, work, or running errands. Same old day, and for sure, you’re not expecting an event that will change your life. However, no one is too sure about the future, and anything can happen, negative or positive. The best way to secure yourself is through preparation with a driver monitoring system.
As you prepare your car when driving through the highways, you can lessen your chances of getting into an accident. Accidents have caused deaths and permanent injuries, but more than that, accidents steal dreams and goals away from people. Below, you’ll learn some tips on becoming a responsible driver when travelling highways.
Things to Remember When Travelling on the Highway
One of the simple joys you can experience with friends and family is having a road trip. Since you’re used to the busy streets of Singapore, highways can feel intimidating if you’re going to drive on them for the first time. The vast space, the endless driving, and isolation from the crowded areas can make you feel nervous. Don’t worry, because you can overcome this by using modern technology like a drowsiness detection system and fleet management system.
1) Make Sure You Feel Rested
Before driving on the highway, make sure you have enough sleep and rest because there are chances you’ll doze off, which may lead to an accident. But, if you need to travel but have no rest, you can install a drowsiness detection system so you’ll get an alert when you feel sleepy. Or better yet, you can postpone the event. Fact: Sleeping without sleep is also dangerous when driving drunk!
If you have young passengers, you’ll be responsible for their safety. Take enough rest before travelling on the highway with your family. At least get eight hours of sleep the night before your trip.
2) Check Your Blindspot
Highways may not be overcrowded compared to Singapore’s busy streets, but you still need to check the blindspot if there are oncoming cars on the rear side. If you’re a first-timer, you rely on modern technology systems like the blind spot detection sensor to give you information when there are vehicles. You’ll save yourself from angry drivers that can cause road rage.
But what exactly is a blind spot detection sensor? This system uses a sensor on the side mirror and rear bumper to detect cars in the adjacent lanes. If the sensor detects a vehicle, it will give you visual, auditory, or video warnings to avoid a collision.
3) Consider Your Speed
There are road signs for a reason. They are to guide you so you can drive safely to your destination. If you see signs requiring you to drive at a certain speed, follow them as much as possible, even if you’re running late. You can’t risk your life just because you want to speed drive. Be a responsible driver and citizen; always follow road signs and research about signs you need to familiarise yourself with while on the highway.
On top of this, don’t drive too slow because oversized vehicles like SUVs and trucks can be dangerous. Just make sure to keep a reasonable speed and distance from other cars. Or you can use a driver monitoring system to keep track of the information you need.
4) Use Your Car’s Lighting When Dark
Maximise your car’s lighting during the nighttime or when dark due to cloudy days. Make sure to turn on the headlights and indicators to signal vehicles that you’re changing lanes while on a highway. Before you hit the road, check your car’s features to see if they are all properly working to turn them on when you need them.
While checking the car features is also essential, it’s also better to know the right time to open your indicators. Keep in mind that the right timing can save you from possible accidents from road collisions. Also, take advantage of the fleet management system to stay safer on the road.
5) Stay Focused
When driving, you have to stay focused on the road and stop thinking about other things. If you’re intoxicated or emotionally triggered, take a break and try to process your thoughts first. You have to stay focused on your actions like stepping on the brake, pulling the stick shift, and manoeuvring the steering wheel. It’s also better to focus on the information you’ll get from the driver and a blind spot monitoring system. As such, you’ll be able to stay safe while on the road with or without a companion.
6) No to Drinking
To stay focused, it’s also better to avoid drinking alcohol as it can affect your concentration. It’s a Friday night out, and your friends are having fun! You don’t want to kill the vibe, so you go with the flow and drink until you get intoxicated and drunk. If this happens, make sure not to drive or let a friend take you home in the meantime.
But if you’re more responsible, you can say no to your friends and be more in control of your drinking habits. You’ll be able to stay focused while driving on the highway, and don’t forget to turn on your drowsiness detection system for added protection.
7) Keep Your Car in Good Condition
Finally, the best way to stay safe is to keep your car in good condition. This way, you can prepare your vehicle for the long trip ahead. Check the car’s interior and exterior parts or go to a professional mechanic to check if they are in good condition. On top of this, test the fleet management system if it’s still working so you can rely on it while on the highway.
Keep yourself safe while driving on the highway with Guardian South East Asia. Visit their website to know more about the driver management system and blind spot monitoring system.
