Cars are a necessity for most people. You can just walk up to your vehicle, hop in and get straight on your way to your destination. Many people find this more convenient than waiting around for a bus or for a cab to pick them up. Of course, the equation is not as simple as it seems, as it takes time to maintain your own vehicle, and you also sacrifice time to earn the money to buy it and keep it running.
Putting the relative merits of different forms of transport aside, it is essential to realize that jumping into your car and heading straight off can also have serious safety consequences. A minute or two getting ready before you take off the parking brake makes it more likely you will arrive at your destination without undue consequence.
Planning your route
Do you know where you are going, where you need to turn and what alternative routes to take if there is a problem? You may, like many people, rely on your GPS for this. That’s all fine and well, but be aware that manipulating the satnav while moving is a significant distraction. It is better to program your destination before you move off.
Getting comfortable
Modern cars give you the ability to move the seat, mirrors and steering wheel — as well as set the radio and climate controls. Get things set up before you start, as not only is fiddling with buttons while driving a distraction, but driving with the car set up for someone else could be dangerous. You might miss seeing something if your mirrors are wrong, and may be unable to brake quickly if the seat is wrongly positioned.
Other things you can do include eating and drinking before leaving, to avoid the distraction caused by doing it on the move, and setting up your listening choices.
Being prepared to drive reduces the possibility that you cause a collision, and makes it less likely you fall victim to another driver’s negligence.
