California is a land of rich beauty, but if you live here, you know that driving on the state’s roads is not for the faint of heart.
Here are four safety tips to help you stay safe when you hit the road.
1. Keep a close eye on other drivers
A significant portion of driving has little to do with your driving ability and everything to do with other people’s actions. Pay close attention to the drivers around you, watching for erratic behavior, lane veering and slow or excessive speeds.
2. Watch out for pedestrians and bicyclists
Part of driving in California is sharing the road with pedestrians and bicyclists, both of which can be difficult to see at times. Remain vigilant and check your blind spots often while driving. Additionally, a new California law states that, when possible, you must switch lanes to pass bicyclists instead of only giving them three feet of space, as the former law expressed.
3. Beware of road debris
From car parts to coolers and everything in between, road debris can cause a collision. Pay close attention to the road ahead to give yourself enough reaction time to avoid items on the road.
4. Maintain a calm temper
Road rage is a significant issue on California roads. Avoid escalating an unpleasant situation into a dangerous or even deadly one by keeping your cool.
Not all accidents are preventable, but following these four safety tips may help you reduce your chances of involvement in a serious car crash.