There are always bad drivers out there, and when it comes to yourself, it’s your responsibility to not be one of those drivers. We all have a duty of safety to one another and driving, although, for the most part safe, it can be dangerous. The longer we end up being qualified, the more relaxed we can become about driving, and it only takes one distraction or lack of attention to cause an accident. So with that in mind, here are six ways to become a better driver.
Keep Both Hands On The Wheel
Keeping both hands on the wheel is important because if you were ever in a situation where you were to lose control or about to have an accident, you want to be prepared. Having one hand off the wheel is like giving up partial control of the vehicle itself, and no matter how safe the car may be, it’s still a danger to be inside of it. Driving should be taken seriously, and although it’s easy to let one hand slip off the wheel, it’s important to keep both hands on it at all times. Try to be aware of those occasions where you can feel your hand slipping off, or you’ve realized you’ve done it by default. It can often be a habit that we need to acknowledge because it’s become the norm before we’re able to change it.
If it helps, you can always have someone in the car who can pay attention to your driving and tell you when you’re taking your hands off the wheel, other than to change gears of course.
Remember That Not Everyone Is A Good Driver
As much as you can be a good driver and you hope that everyone else who is on the road is fully qualified, there are some bad drivers out there. That’s why it’s important to be aware of everyone on the road, from the other drivers to the pedestrians. There will always be those who may not have confidence when it comes to driving, or they may have passed but have some weaknesses when it comes to aspects of driving. Obviously, they did well enough to pass, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they are very strong in their ability to do those manoeuvres or drive in general.
Pay attention to what’s going on around you and always be cautious of other drivers and what they’re doing too.
Be Wary Of Your Speed
Speed is one thing you can definitely have trouble with when you’re an experienced driver. It can be very easy to think you’re doing a certain speed but then realize you’re a few miles per hour over. That could be the difference between life and death in some cases, and it can also be the cause of a hefty fine if you’re not careful. A good tip is to always make a habit of checking your speed, especially in areas where you’ve not driven before. You could also have your Sat Nav or smartphone, tell you when you’re going over the speed limit. There is plenty of new technology out there that can help you to do that.
Take A Refresher’s Course Every So Often
A refresher’s course is something definitely worth doing when you’re a nervous driver or feel like your ability to drive effectively has faltered in some way. When we pass our test, we might not have aced everything, and there might still be certain areas where you don’t feel as confident. That’s normal and to be honest, it’s probably due to not having enough of the driving lessons, to begin with. If you have any concerns about your driving or certain driving aspects, you can always take a refresher’s course in order to help with your memory and to also boost your confidence.
Driving lessons can also be a helpful reminder to get re-familiar with certain regulations and rules when driving. There’s also the Georgia Auto Law or whatever laws are local to you that are worth reminding yourself on.
Keep Your Distance
There’s nothing more annoying than having someone up your rear end while driving. It’s not at all safe, and it can be very off-putting when you’re trying to concentrate. Usually, it will involve drivers who are trying to get from A to B as fast as possible and without any regard for safety or it’s someone who needs a reminder to keep their distance! If you’re someone who does this regularly or on occasion, then it’s definitely time to kick that habit to the curb. It’s not only dangerous for others, but it’s dangerous for your health and your car’s health. You want to be at a reasonable distance should the person in front of you, has to perform an emergency brake. If you can’t see their license plate, then you’re definitely too close. You should be at least a car’s worth away in terms of distance.
Stay Calm Under Pressure
Keeping yourself calm under pressure is important, and there might be situations when driving where you’re patience is tested. It’s essential that you keep your nerve and that you don’t get hot-headed when driving. Yes, there will always be people who cut you up on the road or get dangerously close, but it’s good if you keep your cool in these scenarios. You don’t want to get into a row with a stranger or upset anyone else and ruin their day. Be aware of your mood when driving and if you’re feeling under pressure, perhaps take a moment to breathe or turn off the road to stop and relax. Road rage isn’t something you want to be familiar with.
Becoming a better driver is something you should always strive to achieve. The more drivers who work on their bad habits or weaknesses while driving, the safer the roads will be in general. Keep calm under pressure, get help for nerves and be sure to adhere to road safety rules.
