How to Become a Better Driver

Driving is a skill and it requires practice to become comfortable behind the wheel. Men and women drivers of all ages do many things wrong when they take the driver’s seat and there are many different things that they can do to improve their driving. These five simple tips are designed to make you a better driver in any conditions:

 

1. Be Alert

It seems like every time the television or radio is on, there is a new commercial about not texting and driving or not driving drunk. The idea of being alert behind the wheel is the best tip to be a better driver. This includes more than just texting and drinking. Being alert involves watching the road. It is difficult to do this while putting on make-up or attending to children in the back seat. It is difficult to be alert if you are tired or if you are looking around at the sights on the road. Being alert also means you should not talk on the phone, even using Bluetooth because the act of talking on the phone is what is so distracting. It also means that you should not work on your playlist on your iPod, too.

2. Know Where You are Going

If you do not know where you are going, you will have problems getting there. There is nothing more irritating to other drivers than having a driver who stops and starts in the road from not knowing where to go. This creates unsafe conditions for you and your passengers, as well as the other drivers on the road. Find out where you are going before you leave your home. Set up your GPS and look at the final destination before you get in the car. Plan your route and be sure that you have enough gas or have an idea about where to stop along the way when you need a refill.

 

3. Drive for the Conditions
If you live in an area that has sunny weather all of the time, consider yourself lucky. Driving in extreme weather is truly a challenge. The best way to drive well in the weather is to adjust for the weather. If you live in a part of the world that gets snow, slow down on snowy days. Just because you have a vehicle with four-wheel drive, those four wheels can slide off of icy roads just as quickly as a car with front-wheel or rear-wheel drive. It is also a good idea to clean off your car so you can see out of your windows and so drivers can see your tail lights. The best drivers are respectful of Mother Nature’s ability to make driving more difficult.  In rainy weather, slow down for the conditions. Greasy roads and hot roads can become very slippery during a rain storm. If you have roads that are prone to floods, avoid them when it rains because cars are not designed to swim or float! When you drive in the fog, leave plenty of space to stop because the person in front of you cannot see either. If you have fog lights, use them. If you do not, just turn on your lights.

4. Watch Out for Other Drivers
You might be the safest driver in the world, but there are thousands of other drivers who are not. Watch for the other drivers who might be prone to causing accidents. Be aware of the drivers in front of you, as well as the drivers who are behind you. When you are at intersections, be aware of the drivers coming through the cross streets to be sure they stop. Because you never know what is going on inside of other cars, you need to be vigilant and aware. Not every driver uses turn signals or has working brake lights, so if you get stuck behind one, you have to be alert as to when to slow or to stop. It is often best to just assume that all of the other drivers on the road are BAD; this way you will stay aware and be a better driver.

5. Be Considerate to Others on the Road and in Your Car

When you are considerate to others, you become a much safer driver. Being considerate means relaxing and not worrying when you are in conditions that you cannot control. Not panicking will keep your passengers relaxed and comfortable. When you are considerate, you use turn signals, leave space between your car and the car in front of you, and you do not drive slowly in the left lane on the highway. Considerate drivers do not ride their brakes or drive too fast in rough weather. They also get away from drivers who are showing excessive aggressiveness and dangerous driving. Considerate drivers allow other drivers to merge in congested conditions. Being kind and considerate, will keep you, your passengers, and other drivers on the road relaxed and happy.