Part of your duty as a driver is to prioritize your safety when making any decision that could put you at risk while on the road.
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Yet your ability to remain safe is also contingent to how you handle basic, if not dangerous, driving scenarios tactfully.
Below you will find 8 dangerous driving situations along with recommendations given the importance of safety driving.
#1 The amber or yellow traffic light
Whenever the light turns yellow as you are approaching an intersection, stay alert as any decision you make could impact your safety.
You are advised not to go through a yellow light if you think you can stop safely before the light switches to red.
You may not even be able to go through the light on time, making it easier for cameras or police officers to caught you in the act.
#2 Encountering a deer on the road
Spotting a deer on the road may be scary depending on how close you are to the uninvited guest.
You are strongly advised to stay calm and keep your hands firm on the steering wheel at all times.
Never swerve between lanes as you could end up hitting a vehicle in the neighboring lane or crashing into a tree on the side of the road.
#3 The vehicle behind you is tailgating your car
Erratic drivers are constantly making themselves visible to others, which is the reason why you need to stay away from them.
Once you identify a driver tailgating and honking, pull your vehicle over and let them pass freely.
Don’t take it too seriously, especially when you don’t know if the person is dealing with an emergency.
When it comes to intense tailgaters, experienced drivers always move to the right to let them pass.
It is never a good idea to drive along the road with another driver getting alarmingly close.
#4 Handling impaired drivers
Impaired drivers are people whose ability to drive safely has been reduced owing to the irresponsible use of drugs or alcohol.
For that reason, you must give them plenty room to predict their actions and shun tailgating.
The more you pay attention to them, the easier for you to detect impaired drivers from a fair distance.
If you have the chance to pull over and place your vehicle in a safe spot, take note of their license plate number and call 911 to report the incident.
#5 Spotting a threatening tornado
If you spot a tornado while on the road, do not continue driving in the same direction of the tornado, nor place your vehicle under an overpass to wait until it’s over, as you may be exposed to flying debris.
Check the traffic around you and try moving far from the tornado’s path by driving on a right angle to stay away from the vortex.
Another solution is to park your car and search for shelter in a sturdy building to avoid danger.
If you are driving in rural areas, leave your car, get as far as possible from any trees, cars, or other large objects or buildings, and lie face down, covering your head with your arms.
This posture is imperative in case of an emergency.
#6 Road submerged in water
Experts recommend drivers not to drive through water that’s more than 4 inches high, as the water could damage the engine and other electronic components of the vehicle.
Driving through moving water could be dangerous as your car could potentially be swept away, making you lose control of your drive.
If you own a bigger car designed for driving optimally through deep water, let any oncoming drivers go by first, then follow your path cautiously and avoid making dangerous maneuvers.
#7 Cars driving towards each other in the same lane
If an oncoming car is driving towards you in your lane, get their attention by using your lights or honking, while planning your next move to avoid a crash.
Do not wait for other drivers to react as the worst mistake a person could make is to expect other people to do the right thing.
Remember that your safety always comes first.
#8 Driving into a four-way stop
It doesn’t matter if you are a novice or an experienced driver when it comes to stop signs.
If you arrive at a stop sign first, you’ll have the right of way.
Though it may also be the case in which multiple drivers arrive at the stop sign from different points at the exact same time.
Then, you must yield the right of way to the driver on the right. It’s an act of courtesy that gives us a sense of order and safety.
SEE ALSO: Tackling Myths About Drowsy Driving (#4 Is Shocking)