Safe Driving Tips: Avoiding Traffic Accidents
As you'd expect, driving accidents and fatalities do not occur at the same rate across the globe. Some countries are much safer for drivers than others. According to an article from The Atlantic, two of the safest countries to drive in are Japan and Sweden. We did a little reasearch to find out what gives these countries low accident rates and we're not surprised. A combination of laws and good manners should be adopted in the US and everywhere else. Here are some examples of safe driving tips for avoiding traffic accidents.
Japan
Speed limits are very low in Japan, especially compared to Germany and other superhighway-enabled regions. On the highway, you might be able to legally travel at 50 or 60 miles per hour. On smaller roads, it's going to be around 35 mph, usually. Japanese drivers tend to travel a little bit faster than the speed limit. I said a little. Calm down, speedy.
Much of the safety associated with Japanese driving is probably due to these tight restrictions and generally congested roadways. Although, it is said that Japanese drivers are well-mannered, which is not what anyone would usually say about American drivers.
Know Your Vehicle Well
In Japan, you must have a license that corresponds to the transmission of your vehicle. In other words, you have to have a license to drive an automatic vehicle and another type in order to drive a manual car. Since Japan is such a safe place to drive, we can assume that this rule probably doesn't cause danger. Therefore, don't drive a manual vehicle without practicing a lot. Get help from someone who knows what they're doing and don't go it alone until you're both sure it's time.
Take Your Time and Don't Swerve Just to Exit
Another interesting tip we infer from the Japanese is that you should not worry about missing your turn! In Japan, signs with street names sometimes can't be found. So, you're certain to miss a lot of turns. As it turns out, this is probably good for safety. How many times have you been narrowly cut off by a driver who noticed their exit too late? It's not safe. Take your time. Miss the turn. It won't be the end of the world.
Sweden (and Other Scandinavian Countries)
Use Headlights at All Times
In Sweden, you must drive with headlights turned on at all times. It's not illegal to drive without headlights in the United States but manufacturers often make full-time lights a standard feature because it makes the vehicle more visible.
Use The Right Tires
From the first of December until the end of March, all cars in Sweden must have studded tires or winter tires marked M+S, M-s, M.S, M&S or MS. This is not a requirement in the United states. Let's learn from the Swedes and use the right tires in snowy seasons. If we're not in snowy regions but it happens to be snowing, stay off the road or buy snow tires just for short-term usage.
Use Etiquette
Drivers with experience in Sweden say Swedes don't drive aggressively. Passing does occur frequently but the German-style left-hand pass is the standard. That is, if you're going slowly compared to other traffic, stay to the right-hand lanes, as far as possible. When you want to pass, accelerate and pass on the left. Do not block other cars travelling in the left-hand lanes. Keep in mind that drivers travel on the right side of the road in Sweden, unlike in Japan.
Now that you know some great driving tips, you might be ready to buy a car. When it's time, get quotes from all your local dealers online. It's free here at CarLeasingSecrets.com. Click here to get started.
