Become A Defensive Driver Now

Become a Defensive Driver

No one wants to get in an accident and with more distracted drivers out there, be a defensive driver.

You have to be comfortable in your seat. Adjust your seat to fit your body. The headrest should be at the mid-portion of the back of your head. Make sure the low back is supported. Use a small pillow if you need extra support. Move the steering wheel to a position where your arms are relaxed as your hands are gripping the steering wheel. Adjust the mirrors so you are able to see the maximum amount of coverage outside of your vehicle. If you are not comfortable in your seat, the discomfort and stress on the body can become a distraction.

Don’t follow too closely. You are supposed to keep 3 seconds of distance behind the vehicle in front of you but if the road conditions are anything but dry, stay further back.

Drive in a smooth and controlled manner. Avoid sudden jerking of the steering wheel and avoid slamming on the brakes.

When changing lanes, look behind you to check the blind-spots. Do not depend solely on the mirrors. Keep the views out of the windows unobstructed.

Keep your distractions to a minimum. Don’t text while driving. Focus on the road, other drivers and your surroundings. If you are stressed or emotional or your anxiety level is high, pull over until you are better composed. If you are tired, get some rest before continuing to drive.

If your children or other passengers require your attention, pull over if needed. I have seen drivers reach back to pick up something their child has dropped or become distracted when their child is crying or when their children are fighting each other. Please pull over in these instances.

Have an escape plan. When driving on the interstate, look to the sides along the median to see if it is wide enough for you to pull over in an emergency. When coming to a stop at an intersection, look behind you to see if the vehicles are slowing. Look around to see where you can pull off to in case they are not slowing down. When stopped in traffic, leave enough space so you can change lanes or pull out of the lane. If there are multiple lanes, drive in an outer lane and not the center ones. Same thing applies in a drive-thru. If there are multiple lanes, drive in the outer lane so you can leave if needed. Do not get boxed in.

Supplies to keep in the vehicle: Flashlight, First Aid Kit, Car Glass Breaker and Seatbelt Cutter, Small Fire Extinguisher, and an Emergency Car Kit that includes jumper cables. I have the Stanley Auto Power Station that can jump a car, has an air compressor to inflate tires and usb charging ports. I highly recommend this for each vehicle to have for emergencies.

Drive safe out there. If you are involved in an accident and are injured, call us at Chambers Medical Group. We are here to help.

– This article was written by Chandra Cunningham, DC one of the members of Chambers Medical Group’s team of car accident chiropractors who offer a variety of treatments and therapies ranging from diagnostic testing to various soft tissue therapies for car accidents and injuries in Kentucky.

If you or somebody you know has been in a car accident, be sure that you seek medical attention from a car accident doctor or car accident chiropractor to treat your injuries. Visit Chambers Medical Group  to receive world-class medical treatment for your injuries.

Chambers Medical Group has car accident medical clinics in the following locations:

• Car Accident Medical Clinic in Tampa
• Car Accident Medical Clinic in Plant City
• Car Accident Medical Clinic in Brandon
• Car Accident Medical Clinic in Lakeland
• Car Accident Medical Clinic in Sarasota
• Car Accident Medical Clinic in Louisville
• Car Accident Medical Clinic in Lexington
• Car Accident Medical Clinic in Florence