Not everyone is stuck at a desk all day! There are many errands that need to be completed outside the office, and if you’re lucky, your company may provide you with a car to do things like pick up packages, deposit cash, meet with clients, and more.
When you drive their car, you don’t have to worry about wear and tear or paying for gas, but driving a company car can be stressful too. You definitely don’t want to get into an accident!
Whether you drive a company car every once in a while or it’s part of your daily routine, these tips will help prevent you from getting into an accident.
Increase Your Following Distance
Whether you’re in a hurry or you’re annoyed by the driver in front of you, it isn’t uncommon for drivers to get a little too close to the person ahead of them in the road. Unfortunately, this can increase your chances of experiencing an accident, especially rear end collisions. In Brooklyn, they are the most common type of car crash.
The worst part about getting into a rear end collision is the fact that it’s your fault, even if the person ahead of you slammed on their brakes! Do yourself a favor and increase your following distance.
It is recommended to keep at least two seconds between you and the car ahead of you, which is about one car length. If you’re driving at high speeds, you should double that. The more space you have to stop, the less likely you are to run into the person ahead of you, even if they stop abruptly.
Put Your Phone on Silent
Distracted driving is a real problem, and the device that does the most distracting is the cell phone. Taking your eyes off the road for just a second can spell disaster. Do yourself a favor and turn your phone on silent. It’s even better if you can keep it in the backseat or the trunk so you aren’t tempted to check it.
Just make sure your team at work understands that you won’t be available while you’re driving. That way, your supervisor isn’t frustrated when you don’t answer while you’re away from the office.
Reduce Your Speed
If you’re speeding, you should definitely reduce your speed, but even if you’re going the speed limit, you may want to consider going a little slower anyway.
Even reducing your speed to just a mile or two below the speed limit can do a lot to prevent you from getting into a car accident. Your peripheral vision is increased when you slow down, you can come to a complete stop much more quickly, and you are less likely to hurt yourself or someone else if you do find yourself in an accident. Not to mention, if you are in an accident, your boss will be glad it wasn’t because you were speeding!
Look Further Ahead
Where does your gaze land when you’re driving? Many drivers pay attention to their immediate surroundings, which is important, but you should also scan further ahead.
When you scan the road, you should look at least a block ahead. You can identify potential dangers, like animals or children playing, that could cause trouble. You can slow down well ahead of time, or turn and avoid an obstacle altogether.
Inspect the Car Before You Get Behind the Wheel
It’s a little easier to keep an eye on your own vehicle when you drive it every day. If you drive a company car infrequently, you may not know if the tires need air or it needs more windshield wiper fluid. That’s why it’s important to do a quick check of the car before you get inside.
A few of the things you should do before driving the company car include:
- Check the tires for proper inflation
- Ask someone to help you check the lights
- Check the fluids
- See how much gas is in the tank
- Make sure the windshield wipers actually work
If you drive a company car, it’s a good idea to advocate for its maintenance. Check in regularly to make sure it is getting oil changes and repairs are being made when they are needed so the car is safe the next time you drive.
You never want to get into an accident, but you definitely don’t want to do it while driving the company car! With these tips, you can increase your chances of returning to the office unscathed.
