Become a better driver
**A contributed post as written for The Safe Driver
Everyone at some point in their life faces a time where they need to learn to how to become a better driver. It might be that the parallel parking still eludes you, or maybe you are too scared to get on the motorway. Whatever your reasons for wanting to get your act together and become a more competent driver, we’ve got some helpful tips for you.
- Know Your Speed Limits
Obvious to most of us, but if you’ve ever been stuck behind someone doing 20 in a 30 zone, you’ll know how frustrating it can be when people don’t read the signs. As a rule of thumb, if you are in a residential area the speed limit will always be 30 mph unless stated otherwise. Large roads can reach 40 mph, and country lanes can be up to 60 mph. If you are unsure, check. A quick google search will tell you, and even if not, you will come across a sign sooner or later. Remember, driving too slowly is just as dangerous to you and others and driving too fast.
- Focus on the Road Ahead
The trick to being a great driver is to be aware of everything going on around you. You want to be able to see a traffic light change or a pedestrian crossing the roadway in advance of it happening. Many of us only focus one or two cars ahead, but actually you should be taking in information as far as you can see. That way you aren’t faced with any nasty surprises.
- Don’t Drive When Tired
The morning commute is always a nightmare, and in your half-asleep state you may end up becoming much more irritable than later on in the day. The problem is, driving when you are tired slows down your reactions, you are much more likely to have an accident. The best thing you can do first thing in the morning is spend the time to have a cup of coffee and some breakfast before getting in the car. You’ll fuel your body and be much more alert.
- Drink Driving
It’s no secret that drink driving kills a lot of people every year, because you think you will be fine with alcohol in your system, but your reactions and much slower and your vision is impaired. Never ever drive while under the influence. You will put yourself in danger, others in danger, and may end up causing an incident which gets you locked up in prison for a long time afterwards.
- Being Smart
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Confidence can be dangerous when it comes to driving, particularly when crossing lanes is concerned. Many people who have fast cars don’t worry about being in the wrong lane because they plan on racing past everyone to get a spot in the right one. The problem is that this behaviour is what causes many accidents, because confidence isn’t about being cocky, it’s about being smart.
Driving while tired is as dangerous as drinking a few to many beers and driving. Please be careful on the road.
I would like to add one more crucial tip that I think a lot of people is lacking on the roads these days – Be Respectful!
How many lives could have been spared if people were a little bit more respectful on the road and played by the rules..
Anyway, good article, keep it up!
Nowadays, distracted driving is probably more prevalent than drunk driving.
Be aware of blind spots – your own, and other riders. I call this out especially for two wheeler riders.