Tips to make sure the other driver sees you.

Here are some things to consider to reduce the chance that you’ll be in a collision.

Make Eye Contact – It’s not a guarantee that the other driver won’t cut you off, but it’ll lessen the chance. At the very least, if you’re looking at them and they’re not looking at you, then you should be wary.

Signal Your Turn – This should be a “needless to say” suggestion. But being that we’re in Massachusetts where signaling is considered a sign of weakness, it needs to be said. It’s a simple fact, signaling makes driving safer. Other drivers will make better decisions if they are aware of what you are doing.

Brake Lights – Our annual inspections check this each year. However, if you’re lights go out between inspections, you should get it fixed, rather than waiting until the inspection forces you to get it done. Given that we generally drive too closely in Massachusetts, if your brake lights are not functioning properly, it will make it much harder for other drivers to stop when you do. Their reaction time will be significantly diminished.

Flash Your Brakes – Here’s a thought. Before you actually begin to stop, you might consider tapping your brakes once or twice. This will get the attention of vehicles behind you and alerts them that you are about to slow down. You might also consider this if you see someone coming up behind you quickly.

Daytime Headlights – This increases your visibility. It doesn’t help you to see, but so that everyone can see you better.

Blind Spots - Don't drive in other drivers' blind spots. You should always be aware of you position in relation to other drivers cars. The worst blind spot is generally the back right.