How to Drive Safely: 8 Driving Tips for Women

 

Being a female driver comes with its own set of challenges. As the stats show, women are typically at a disadvantage when it comes to driving, especially as new and inexperienced drivers. The number of females involved in fatal car crashes is higher than that of males; furthermore, a womans rate of crashing is more likely to occur during her first year and 5,000-mile period after getting her license. In fact, women have a much higher crash risk between the ages of 16-20 than men among other risky age groups: teens, older adults (55-65), and those over 65. 

Despite these statistics, being a female doesnt mean you cant be an excellent driver; however, there are some precautions you should take as a lady driver to stay safe on the road. Here are some tips on how to drive safely as a woman behind the wheel

 

1. Be cautious during dusk and dawn

Many fatal car crashes occur during dawn and dusk hours. These times of day are prone to reduced visibility due to natural light and smog, which can trick drivers eyes into thinking its brighter than it actually is. When driving during these hours, make sure your lights are turned on, and if you are traveling in an area with limited to no visibility, be extra cautious and take your time. Driving at dusk and dawn can be more challenging for any driver; for females, it can be more dangerous since their vision is especially sensitive to light at this time.

Additionally, these hours are typically when more drivers are on the road, so be more aware of your surroundings and avoid driving in areas where visibility is limited. If you must drive during dusk or dawn, keep your eyes on the road and hands on the wheel while increasing your following distance to avoid collisions.

 

 

 

 

2. Stay in the lane: Avoid swerving when driving

Although you should stay alert and focused on the road, you should also avoid being too rigid or inflexible with your driving. Keep in mind that driving is a fluid process, meaning its a dynamic activity that requires adjustment based on the drivers situation, the other drivers on the road, and external factors.

If you see a car in your blind spot or potential dangers on the road, avoid swerving, as a sudden jerky movement could cause you to lose control of your vehicle. Avoid driving in the left lane if you are not passing other cars, and avoid driving too close to the car in front of you, which could cause you to hit that car if it suddenly stops. Find a balance between being relaxed but alert, and avoiding driving too rigid, which could cause you to overlook potential dangers and hazards.

 

 

 

3. Dont be afraid to push yourself physically

Many women tend to be more cautious, careful, and tentative than their male counterparts when it comes to driving. While this might be a good thing in certain situations, it can also cause you to shift into a lower gear, resulting in you taking longer to reach your destination. Dont be afraid to push yourself when driving; avoid driving way slower than the speed limit or at a rate that makes you feel anxious. 

Moreover, dont be afraid to pass other vehicles on the road or make a left and right turn at intersections or intersections a little earlier than usual. Driving too cautiously could cause you to take longer to reach your destination, which could be dangerous if youre driving at a slow speed in heavy traffic.

 

 

 

4. Always pay attention to the road

Driving requires all of your attention, so dont be distracted and avoid engaging in distracting activities while behind the wheel. Dont engage in loud and distracting conversations on your phone, avoid texting and driving, and avoid eating and drinking while driving, especially if you are driving a long distance. 

Driving requires your full attention, and you cant be distracted while driving.

Suppose you see something or someone that is distracting while driving. Take your eyes off it as soon as possible. Avoid looking at other drivers who are driving erratically or engaging in distracting activities such as reading a book that has you turning the pages.

 

 

 

5. Take care of your tires

Taking care of your tires is important for any driver, but its especially critical for female drivers. Make sure your tires are properly inflated; the recommended PSI for your cars tires is printed on the side of each tire. If you notice that your tires are worn out, you should replace them immediately. If you drive in rainy or snowy weather, make sure your tires are properly equipped for adverse weather conditions. Driving with underinflated, bald, or worn-out tires is dangerous and could cause you to lose control of your car.

 

 

6. Plan your trips and pay attention to the road

Planning your trips before you get behind the wheel is an excellent way to multi-task while driving. You can use your GPS to navigate to your destination, or you can jot down the address or phone number of your destination on your phone. Indeed, driving without a map or GPS is risky as it could cause you to miss your turn or end up driving in the wrong direction. 

If you are planning on driving to a new destination, make sure you are familiar with the route beforehand. Driving while you are unfamiliar with the route could cause your to make a wrong turn, which could result in you getting lost or driving in the wrong direction. If you are heading to a new destination, pay attention to the route and look out for any potential dangers along the way.

 

 

 

7. Stay alert during nighttime driving

Driving during the night comes with its own unique set of challenges, especially for women drivers. As mentioned above, natural light and smog could trick your eyes into thinking its brighter than it actually is, which could cause you to be blinded by oncoming headlights. To avoid this issue, make sure your headlights are turned on during the night. While driving at night is challenging for any driver, its especially challenging for female drivers who may be visually or naturally sensitive to light. 

If you typically drive during the night, make sure you get enough sleep before driving; driving while you are tired is dangerous.

Additionally, if you tend to be visually sensitive to light, wear sunglasses when driving at night to avoid being blinded by oncoming headlights. Avoid driving when you are extremely tired, and pull over if you feel sleepy.

 

 

 

8. Dont rely on your cars advanced features too much

In recent years, car manufacturers have been increasingly implementing advanced safety features in their vehicles to make driving easier and safer. While these advanced safety features are great in theory, they are designed to make your driving easier and shouldnt be relied on too heavily. 

Drive with extra caution, always maintain situational awareness, and be aware of your surroundings. While some of these advanced features are great, they could malfunction or fail, which could cause you harm or could lead to an accident. Double-check the features before you drive, and be aware of your surroundings while driving.

 

Conclusion

Driving is stressful, challenging, and requires a certain level of skill. As you can see, driving as a woman comes with its own set of challenges. While these tips and safety precautions might seem like a hassle, theyre actually simple ways to improve your driving experience and keep you safe behind the wheel.

Driving is a skill that takes time to master, so dont give up if youre struggling as a woman behind the wheel. Through patience, practice, and perseverance, you can successfully navigate your way behind the wheel and take control of the road. Visit Womenwire.com for more tips, advice, and information on how to drive better as a woman.