If you live in Phoenix, AZ, you’re probably well aware of the fact that it isn’t the safest place to drive. It actually landed at No. 6 on a recent list of the “least safe” places to drive in the entire nation.
But that doesn’t mean all Phoenix drivers are bad. There are lots of people who put safe driving practices into place from the second they start driving on Phoenix roads.
You should learn a few lessons from them and copy their safe driving habits. It’ll help you avoid getting into any accidents with your fellow Phoenix drivers.
Check out ten replicable habits of the safest Phoenix drivers below.
1. Wear Your Seat Belt
Do you put your seat belt on every time you get behind the wheel of your car? If not, please start doing it ASAP.
No matter how careful you are out on the road, there is always at least a small chance you might get into an accident. A seat belt could be the difference between you walking away unharmed and possibly not walking away from a crash at all.
2. Put Your Phone Away
Far too many people still talk on their phones and even send out text messages while they’re driving in Phoenix, AZ. If you’re one of these people, it’s time to stop doing this.
As soon as you climb into your car, you should have a safe place where you can put your phone so you aren’t tempted to use it. It’ll ensure you aren’t distracted by your phone when you’re driving.
3. Avoid Drinking and Driving
Drinking and driving is another problem that continues to plague some Phoenix drivers. You could get yourself into big trouble if you get caught driving under the influence of alcohol.
Drinking and driving remains one of the most common causes of car accidents. Take a look at these common car accident causes to see what else can lead to them.
4. Obey All Traffic Signals and Signs
While you’re driving, you’re going to see so many traffic signals and signs. This will include both red lights and signs that’ll tell you that you need to stop, yield, merge, etc.
Your job will be to look out for all these traffic signals and obey them to the best of your ability. You should also keep an eye out for any Phoenix drivers that may not be obeying them and try to stay away from them.
5. Drive Under the Speed Limit
Speeding is one of the other common causes of Phoenix, AZ car accidents. If you drive even just a little bit over the speed limit on Phoenix roads, it may increase the chances of you being involved in a crash.
You don’t have to drive way under the speed limit or anything. That could also potentially be harmful to you and other drivers.
But you should try to drive just under the speed limit so you’re able to slow down and even come to a complete stop when necessary.
6. Slow Down in Work Zones
Any time you’re about to enter a work zone on the highway, you should check to see what the speed limit will be in it. It’ll likely be lower than the speed limit before and after the work zone.
It’ll be imperative that you slow down for the good of the crew that’s working in the work zone. You should also do it because you might get a costly ticket if the cops catch you speeding through a work zone.
7. Look Out for Pedestrians
Sadly, thousands of car accidents involving pedestrians occur each year. About 8,000 of these pedestrians die during these crashes.
With this in mind, you’ll need to keep your head on a swivel when you’re driving down roads that have lots of pedestrians on them. You never know when one might step out into the street and cross right in front of you. You’ll be able to avoid them when you’re paying close attention.
8. Share the Road With Cyclists and Motorcyclists
Phoenix drivers sometimes get frustrated when there are cyclists and motorcyclists on the road with them. But they have every right to be there!
You should learn how to share the road with cyclists and motorcyclists so that you don’t put them in harm’s way. There will be enough space on the road for you all as long as you give each other room.
9. Steer Clear of Road Rage
It’s easy to lose your cool when you’re driving around in Phoenix, AZ, especially when you come into contact with bad drivers in the city. It might lead to you experiencing road rage at different points.
If you ever feel road rage coming on, you should pull your car over (as long as it’s safe to do so!) and take a few deep breaths before getting back on the road. It’ll stop a bad situation from becoming worse.
10. Maintain Your Vehicle
From the time you start driving a vehicle around Phoenix, AZ, you’ll need to work to maintain it. Otherwise, your car, truck, or SUV may not be as safe as you need it to be.
If there is anything wrong with your vehicle, fixing it fast will be of the utmost importance. It’ll keep you safer out on Phoenix roads.
Keep Yourself and Other Phoenix Drivers Safe
As we alluded to earlier, Phoenix drivers have earned a reputation for being some of the least safe drivers in the U.S. But that doesn’t mean you need to follow their lead.
You can develop safe driving habits like the ones on this list. They’ll help you stay safe and prevent you from putting yourself in positions where you might be involved in car accidents.
Find more useful driving tips and tricks by reading through the rest of our blog articles.
