Safe Driving in The New Year Begins With AARP Preparation Tips

Posted on January 7, 2013

A new year means a new beginning, so maybe this year can be the time you decide to make safety a part of your annual resolution.  After all, other things like weight loss or staying away from sugary foods won’t mean much if other facets of your routine result in safety being compromised.  Instead, think about making this the year that you do whatever you can to avoid danger on the roads.  The AARP in North Carolina explains how to do just that.

The good news is that many of the tips concern things you can do before you even get behind the wheel.  If your vehicle and you are in good repair, then you give yourself more time to focus on the obstacles that actually await on the streets.  First, make sure that your vision is adequate for safe driving.  If your sight begins to blur, visit an optometrist to see if you might need glasses.  Even the smallest unseen hazard can lead to a potential calamity on the highway.  And if you already wear glasses, visit an eye doctor regularly so that you stay on the ball when it comes to having an adequate prescription.

The AARP also offers safety courses that instruct people on how to address the challenges that compromise safety on the road.  If you qualify, submit to one of these classes.  Depending on your auto policy, such a move could allow you to cut down on your insurance bill.

One other mistake people make when they hop into their vehicle is to not set themselves up to be able to properly pilot the automobile.  Make sure that your mirrors are set up so that you can view obstacles in your blind spots and see all the way around you.  And double check that the seat allows you to comfortably reach the pedals and the steering wheel and navigate without added stress.

Also consider some of the equipment you might keep handy inside your vehicle should an emergency imperil safety.  Having a spare tire, especially during precarious winter weather, is essential, as it allows you to immediately get back on the road and out of danger should your primary tire fail.  An air compressor and a portable jumper battery should also be considered.  Again, these are things that can get you back on the road and out of harm’s way alongside the road.

Finally, understand your own limitations and those of your vehicle.  Don’t drive in situations you’re not comfortable with, and get any basic maintenance conducted when it becomes necessary to do so.  A small problem now could turn into a big issue later if left unchecked, so make sure your automobile is in top condition before heading out.

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