5 Rules of Thumbs When Driving

There are times when driving a car feels fun. Moreover, on empty roads at fast speeds. However, it should be noted that as a driver you have a big responsibility. In order to remain safe when driving, you must follow the rules, one of which is by following the Rule of Thumbs. 

What is Rule of Thumbs? 

Rule of thumbs is unofficial guidance or unofficial rules for doing something. Maybe Drivemate has heard of the rule of thumbs before in many contexts. In the context of driving, rule of thumbs can be understood as driving guidelines or tips to make your trip safer.  

5 Examples of Rule of Thumbs when Driving

There are many kinds of rules of thumb in driving. As a first step, Drivemate can apply the 5 tips below first. 

1. Make sure to always wear a seat belt.

So far, quite a few people ignore seat belts. In fact, the use of seat belts is mandatory because there is an article that regulates this. Therefore, you should not underestimate the importance of seat belts.

Apart from that, seat belts can provide initial protection in the event of an accident.  The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) states that seat belts can reduce the risk of injury in a crash by 50%. So, make sure Drivemate always wears a seat belt whether for long or short trips. Because, unlucky days don't exist in the calendar. 

2. Adjust the Sitting Position and Backrest

When driving, it is important to maintain a comfortable body position. That way, travel safety will be more guaranteed. Position the chair according to your height so you can see the road clearly. Don't let the dashboard stand obstruct your view. Then, also make sure that the diameter of the seat back is correct, so that your back doesn't get tense and painful when driving for a long time. 

3. Pay Attention to Distance from Other Vehicles

To avoid friction, collisions or even accidents, don't forget to maintain the distance and position of the Drivemate vehicle. So, even though traffic is busy, still pay attention to the distance between each vehicle so that it doesn't get too tight. 

You can follow the 3 seconds rule in driving. What's that? The 3 seconds rule is a driving tip that includes these steps: determine a reference point, pay attention to how long it takes the vehicle in front of you to pass that reference point, estimate how long it will take for the vehicle to reach the same distance. If it turns out that the time period is less than 3 seconds, then you can increase the distance to the vehicle in front. 

4. Don't Drive While Drowsy 

Because they are in a hurry to get home or are being chased by a target, many people choose to force themselves to drive when they are sleepy or tired. In fact, driving while sleepy can reduce concentration. This condition can also reduce reactions and reflexes when driving. It's possible that when a vehicle suddenly brakes in front of the car, you won't have time to brake. It would be very dangerous, right?

Therefore, if you have a long trip planned, make sure you get at least 7 hours of sleep before the trip. Apart from that, don't eat too much food before traveling. Choose healthy foods that will not cause drowsiness. If you feel sleepy, you can drink coffee or take a short break in the rest area. 

5. Adjust the Position of the Steering Wheel and Pedals

In addition to the sitting and backrest position, adjusting the position of the steering wheel and pedals is also crucial in driving. Especially for long trips.  When positioning your hands on the steering wheel, there are techniques to avoid getting sore, namely positions 9-3 and 8-4. Simply put, Drivemate can imagine the position of the hands on the steering wheel like clockwork circles.  So, in the first position you can put your right hand over 3 o'clock and your left hand over 9 o'clock. This also applies to positions 8-4. 

Then, make sure the position of the pedal and brake is not too far out of reach of your feet so that you don't have to move excessively when you step on the gas or brake. However, don't get too close so your legs don't get sore from bending too much. 

 

From paying attention to the position to the distance of the vehicle, the 5 rule of thumbs tips above will be very useful to apply during the trip. To make your trip safer, make sure your car is in top condition from A to Z, especially the condition of the tires. Therefore, use quality tires from Dunlop. For more information, visit Dunlop's official website, come on!