1.Tips to be a better driver
After we’ve been driving for a while there’s a tendency to start becoming sloppy. For some reason, we start to ignore road rules. Simple basics that take hardly any effort are tossed out the window.
Not only can we tidy up our tardy practical driving habits but we could also brush up on our knowledge of safety regulations and traffic laws. Indicating a turn, coming to a full stop at a Stop sign, slowing down at a yield, and slowing down at an amber light. Yes, almost all of us are guilty of speeding up instead, aren’t we?
Remember: Traffic rules are there for safety reasons, to AVOID accidents!
2. Scan the road
It’s necessary to have eyes at the back and sides of your head when driving, but fortunately, since these are lacking we have side and rearview mirrors to aid us. Check those mirrors every 5 seconds so that you’re aware of all the cars around you and not just the ones in front.
Remember: Be awake and aware
3. Keep your distance
You know the rules. Two car lengths and preferably four seconds between you and the car in front of you. Yes, we know, it’s a race to the front, and why would you leave space if the other cars are just going to sneak into the gap? Well, firstly, it isn’t a race, ever. Secondly, you’d be surprised how little time getting to your destination, if any, you lose. And thirdly, your brakes will thank you.
Drive in a smooth manner and you’ll look uber-cool because everyone will see that you’re in total control.
Remember: There are no prizes for being first
Also read:How speed influences car accidents
4. Avoid tailgating
Related to Keeping Your Distance, following too closely to the vehicle in front without sufficient distance for you to brake without causing a collision if the vehicle in front suddenly applies brakes is an extremely dangerous practice. No one likes having another vehicle on their tail, it’s a little like having your personal space invaded, which can lead to anxiety and aggression. Two emotions that we must aim to keep off the road. entirely.
Remember: Do unto others as you would them do unto you.
5. Understand your car’s safety features and limitations
You might think the safety and new tech features of your vehicle will keep you ultra-safe. None of it is foolproof, so no, it won’t. For example, get to understand:
ABS – not just what it stands for (anti-lock braking system) but what it does and doesn’t do.
It helps prevent wheels from locking up – possibly allowing the driver to steer to safety.
It does notshorten stopping distance.
Brake Assist – it adds additional braking power to your car during emergency stops, but it won’t help you if you’re not paying attention.
Remember: You still need to keep a safe following distance from vehicles ahead of you as you drive. You still need to be awake and aware.
6. Plan your route and get to know your way beforehand
When we know our route towards a particular destination well we can concentrate on the road and the traffic. When we’re unsure of an unfamiliar route and rely totally on the voice and image on our GPS system, our attention is split. Just like ABS, brake assist, or any other technology, GPS is not perfect and can sometimes lead you up the garden path. While not as dangerous as texting or talking on your cell phone, if you’re trying to operate the app while driving, it is as dangerous.
Familiarise yourself with the route before taking off, note landmarks, direction, visualise it in your head, and then by all means let the app guide you.
Also read:Are your driving habits making you a risk on the road?
7. Be a smooth operator
No one likes to sit in a car with a jerky driver. Stop-start driving is a real fuel-guzzling habit that could waste up to 30% of this non-renewable resource. Anticipate the road ahead, and adjust your speed accordingly. Don’t rush up to the junction unless you’re in a race to get to the traffic lights first, whatever colour they may be. But…
Remember: It’s never a race.
8. Invest in an advanced driving course
And when all is said and done, taking a refresher course (if you’re still a newbie) or an advanced driving courseif you’re an experienced driver, is a worthy investment towards self-empowerment.
Keep Your Eyes Moving
Extremely painful or again is there anyone who loves or case pursues or desires these cases dislike perfectlys imple and to distinguish.
Consequently, what should you do with your eyes while driving,
Focus on the vehicle in front.
Keep watching the traffic all around you.
Keep view on rear mirror.
Appropriate Speed
appropriate speed – your ability to drive at an appropriate speed for the road and traffic conditions
undue hesitation – your ability to maintain progress, and not hesitate and slow down when you did not need to
Know road safety,
No injury. No road safety, Then
know injury.
Fadil Cakiqi
Founder
.
Adjust Your Mirrors
.
How to adjust your mirrors for maximum visibility
Rear View Mirror
This allows you to see what Is happening behind you, it is mounted in the upper section of the windscreen.
Ensure you are sitting in your normal driving position and adjust the mirror until you can see the entire rear window easily.
Side or Wing Mirrors
These mirrors provide a wide viewing angle for each side of the car. Depending on your car they can be adjusted with electric or manual controls.
Left Side Mirror
Make sure you are sitting in your normal driving position in the driver’s seat. Move the mirror a little at a time until you get it to the correct position. Ideally, you want to adjust the mirror until you see just part of the car and have a view of the road behind you.
Right Side Mirror
When you are sitting in your normal driving position in the drivers seat adjust the mirror so that you can see a small section of the car and the road behind.
Getting the mirror positions correct is crucial as you rely on the mirrors for moving off, overtaking, changing lanes and joining dual-carriageways or motorways.
Mirrors are essential and should be checked regularly but it’s important that you don’t solely rely on these when you are driving. As there will be blind spots around your car which you should always be aware of and you should always look over your shoulder too to ensure it is safe to complete a manoeuvre.
At Geoff Capes Driving School we help hundreds of people of all ages learn to drive in manual or automatic cars. Your driving instructor will help you position the mirrors and teach you the skills you need including how to move-off, safely negotiate junctions, drive in bad weather, parallel park and much more
Leave A Comment