Everyone wants to become a better driver, but it’s hard to know where to start. You want to start driving not just safer, but smarter too. Take a few minutes to learn the basics of being a better driver, so you can pass your driving test the first time and improve your entire driving experience.
Be Alert.
Taking the wheel of a vehicle requires a lot of concentration. From paying attention to other drivers to keeping an eye on the road, there’s a lot to keep in mind. But your greatest chance of avoiding an accident is to remain alert behind the wheel. One of the easiest ways to maintain alertness is by practicing these simple driving tips for safer driving:
- Never text and drive.
This tip is a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how many people text behind the wheel. Texting while driving is against the law, and it’s extremely dangerous.
- Stay in slow driving zones.
In many states, including California, slow driving zones are in effect through school zones, downtown areas, construction zones, and around a lot of neighborhoods. Stay in these areas to avoid collisions with other motorists.
- Don’t tailgate.
When a car in front of you speeds up, there’s no need to speed up. Don’t cut someone off and don’t match their speed. Being too aggressive with other drivers can cause a collision.
Stay Active on the Road.
Your driving habits impact not only you but also other people on the road, so it’s in your best interests to make them as safe and efficient as possible. One of the easiest ways to improve your driving is to simply get out on the road more often, even if it’s just for errands. Taking a little extra time to practice good habits, like keeping your eyes on the road, will help you become a better driver.
Obey Traffic Rules.
The single biggest predictor of safe driving is obeying traffic rules. When driving, you should always be focused on the road and not on talking, texting, eating, drinking, or reading. Being distracted from driving is risky behavior that can get you into serious accidents. Learning the rules of the road is important, but it’s more important to be smart about them. What seems like a minor violation could have serious consequences if you cause an accident. So, when was the last time you checked the posted speed limits on your route to work? Think of it this way, if you drive 5 miles above the speed limit, you might only be hitting 25 miles per hour, but if you’re in a 60 mph zone, you’ve been driving 75 miles per hour. Your risk of getting in an accident increases dramatically.
Limit Distractions.
One of the most important things that car owners can do to improve their driving is to limit distractions. Eliminating the information overload and focusing on the task at hand, that is, focusing on driving can help motorists avoid accidents. Drivers can reduce the risk of accidents by minimizing distractions, such as texting, eating, and adjusting the radio. Drivers should even avoid talking to passengers, since their attention can be divided.
Allot Time for Practice.
Many drivers are intimidated by the prospect of learning to drive or are likely intimidated by the idea of learning to drive. However, taking up driving lessons from a friend, family member, or even a designated driving school could ease you into the practice of driving. If you learned how to drive from a family or a friend, you would still be required to give a driving test to first acquire a learner’s permit, and then a proper license. Should you find it difficult to locate one near you, you could search on the web with keywords such as Findmeadrivingtest or driving tests near me. Practice and dedication would enable you to enjoy your first solo car ride the quickest.
If you have second thoughts about learning how to drive, there are a lot of benefits to enjoy in driving. Aside from the obvious ability to get around easily on your own, learning to drive has other advantages as well. For starters, you are learning to drive increases your independence. With your own set of wheels, you can come and go as you please and lessen the need for relying on others for transportation. Also, having your own set of wheels can be useful in an emergency. If there’s a serious weather event, you won’t be waiting hours on public transportation to get home. Instead, you can drive yourself home safely and quickly get to your family or loved ones. Finally, learning to drive can help you save money.
Driving can be a risky business. Even though most accidents can be avoided when drivers take precautions and obey the rules of the road, some drivers still need reminders to avoid the mistakes that lead to accidents. Many drivers haven’t gotten the message yet, so it might be up to first-time drivers to get them started.