How to Drive Safer in a SUV

Image by RJA1988 from Pixabay 

If you’re considering a new SUV purchase, choosing one with excellent safety features is vital. Also, please remember that driving an SUV is different from driving a car. It’s easy to assume that the driving dynamics of your SUV are the same as your car. 

But if something unexpected happens, you’ll suddenly realize that you can’t brake or change direction as quickly in the SUV. 

If you follow the tips below, you can drive your vehicle safely no matter where you go. 

Drive At Safe Speed

It’s important to drive at a safe speed, even more so when the roads get twisty. SUVs don’t handle as easily as passenger cars, so it’s easy to drift off the road, especially if the corner is tighter than you thought. 

Many SUV rollovers are because a tire struck a curb or soil on the shoulder, which makes the vehicle ‘trip,’ and leads to a roll. 

Keep Steering Smooth

Remember to steer as smooth as you can. If you turn the wheel of your SUV suddenly, such as trying to change lanes too quickly, you can lose control. Then, the SUV could roll. 

Be Careful When Towing

Towing changes how the SUV handles during regular driving and in an emergency. The weight at the back makes it take longer to stop. Also, don’t make sudden turns because they can make your trailer fishtail. This can make your vehicle lose control. 

Check The Mirrors

It’s essential to adjust the side mirrors on the SUV to make the angle as wide as you can. You have more significant blind spots in an SUV, so changing the mirrors gives you as much of a view of the sides and rear of the vehicle as possible. 

Look For Objects Around SUV

Riding higher in the SUV means you see the road better. But it’s harder to see small things low to the ground, such as a high curb or a child’s bike. So, walk around the SUV and look for obstacles before you drive. 

Think Carefully About Towing

Your SUV may have a trailer hitch, but that doesn’t always mean it has the power or braking ability to handle a large, loaded trailer. Check your owner’s manual before you try to tow anything. 

Provide More Distance For Braking

You should make extra distance when you brake, especially if there is water or ice on the road. Your SUV probably weighs more than most cars. So, you need to have a longer distance to stop than a car going the same speed. 

Keep Cargo Secure

You may want to throw your suitcases and backpacks in the rear of the SUV and hit the road. But it’s critical to stow your belongings behind the rear seats as much as possible. 

Under extreme braking, heavy objects can fly forward at a dangerous speed and strike passengers. Interior tie-down hooks are recommended so heavy cargo will not slide into the rear seats and damage them. 

Consider this: a suitcase that weighs 25 lbs becomes 1,600 lbs when it hits the rear seat if you slam on the brakes at 60 miles per hour. 

Keep Tires At Ideal Pressure

SUV tires that are worn or underinflated are likely to lose grip and make the vehicle lose control. Check the driver’s door jamb to find out what the ideal tire pressure is for your SUV. 

Check the pressure of each tire at least once per month. Also, only place cargo on the roof of the SUV when you must. Having extra weight on the top of the vehicle makes it top-heavy and more likely to roll in an emergency.