The 5 most important tips for safer drives on Singapore roads
01/03/2024
3.2 min read
Whether you’re a new driver with a year of experience or a seasoned driver looking for a refresher, it’s always important to practice safe driving habits. The road can be unpredictable, but following these essential driving tips can help you stay safe and confident behind the wheel.
01 • Stay alert and aware of your environment while driving
It’s normal to feel tired after a long day of work, but safe driving means staying alert and aware at all times. Being mentally present and vigilant not only ensures your safety but also that of other road users. Remember to scan your surroundings, check the position of other vehicles with your mirrors regularly, and anticipate potential hazards.
Don’t forget to take a break if you need to. Taking a detour for a cup of coffee or a quick nap is a safer alternative to driving while tired or sleepy!
02 • Be extra mindful of pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists
(Photo: CNA)
Sharing the road harmoniously promotes safer travel and also fosters a sense of community and respect among all road users.
Be patient and share the road graciously when you encounter vulnerable road users like pedestrians, cyclists, or motorcyclists. A mere second of distraction or aggressive driving can have tragic consequences.
03 • Always check your blind spots
The roads are used by everyone. As drivers, we may sometimes fail to take note of other road users — particularly motorcyclists and pedestrians.
Always check your blind spots while changing lanes or making a turn. Blind spots are areas around a vehicle that are hidden from the driver’s eyesight, such as the rear and sides of the vehicle. Checking your blind spots regularly helps ensure that other road users aren’t in your driving path.
Some newer cars are equipped with blind spot detection systems. These systems are designed to detect objects on either side of a vehicle and alert you when you’re near an obstacle or another vehicle. While these systems can help drivers be more aware of their surroundings, it’s important not to rely too much on these automated systems — you’ll still want to practice double-checking your blind spots and driving defensively.
04 • Don’t drive while intoxicated or impaired
(Photo: Legal Advice)
Did you know that drink-driving is one of the biggest contributors to road accidents? That’s because intoxicated drivers are prone to misjudging spaces and distances and can take longer to react to an emergency.
If you’re under the influence of alcohol or consume any medication that causes drowsiness during your drive, please inform our Support Team so they can assist you.
05 • Keep left unless overtaking and stick to speed limits
In Singapore, the right lane is meant for overtaking other vehicles. Keeping to the left lane at all other times helps maintain a smooth flow of traffic and allows faster-moving vehicles to overtake safely.
Abiding by speed limits is equally important. Among many other reasons, speed limits exist to help increase a driver’s reaction time and reduce the impact of an accident. Most roads in Singapore have a default speed limit of 50km/h, unless otherwise stated. Remember to always be mindful of the speed limits. Apps like Apple Maps and Waze can come in handy by letting you know the speed limit of the road you’re on.
Here’s to taking better charge of your drives and staying safe on the road!
Ella Mae 🙆🏻♀️
(Featured photo: Bloomberg)