The open roads of summer are upon us. There’s nothing better than the wind in your hair and your favorite song playing! There is, however, something we all need to focus on this summer, and that’s making sure we’re driving the appropriate speed. Going a few miles over the speed limit might seem harmless, but the truth is that speeding is illegal for a reason. Speed limits are put in place to protect everyone on the road, and speeding endangers all roadway users. If you have a speeding habit, here are 5 ways to break it.
1. Maintain your focus.
Avoid fixating on a single object ahead of you, as it restricts your field of vision. Many new drivers tend to zero in on what they believe is important, such as a road sign, the car in front of them, or the lines on the road. However, this can be dangerous as it prevents you from being fully aware of your surroundings. Instead, scan the road ahead and stay aware of your surroundings.
2. Adjust your speed according to conditions.
Understand that adverse weather, traffic, or road conditions may require driving below the posted speed limit. It’s important to adjust your speed accordingly.
3. Understand how stopping distances work.
Remember that braking takes time, and the faster you’re driving, the longer it takes to come to a complete stop. Keep this in mind when choosing your speed and approaching intersections or potential hazards.
Keep in mind that hitting the brakes doesn’t instantly stop your vehicle; there’s a delay between the moment you decide to hit the brakes and when your vehicle comes to a complete stop. The higher your speed, the longer it takes to stop. This is a key reason why speeding can be incredibly dangerous.
4. Go with the flow.
Try to drive at the same speed as the main stream of traffic around you. Driving significantly slower or faster can create dangerous situations.
Saying that you didn’t realize you were speeding isn’t a valid excuse to speed. To keep track of your speed, make it a habit to glance at your speedometer frequently and maintain a consistent pace with the traffic around you.
5. Stay alert and expect the unexpected.
Stay alert and ready to respond to sudden changes or hazards on the road. You’ll only have a split second to react in some situations and your focus and attention will help you react quickly and appropriately.
Breaking the speeding habit this summer might seem challenging, but with the right mindset and some adjustments to your driving routine, you can make significant progress toward safer driving habits and keep you and those around you safe.
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Safe2Drive is here to help! We offer convenient online courses for drivers of any age! Visit our website today to learn about the online courses we offer in your state.
The open roads of summer are upon us. There’s nothing better than the wind in your hair and your favorite song playing! There is, however, something we all need to focus on this summer, and that’s making sure we’re driving the appropriate speed. Going a few miles over the speed limit might seem harmless, but the truth is that speeding is illegal for a reason. Speed limits are put in place to protect everyone on the road, and speeding endangers all roadway users. If you have a speeding habit, here are 5 ways to break it.