Driving like every other skill requires practice and consistency and there is always room for improvement. In becoming a better driver one should be able to absorb and understand how to implement the following tips or methods in improving your skill, as well as understanding the language of other road users.
Be conscious of other road users
As a driver you have to be aware and conscious of other road users, this is in other to prevent accidents or unwanted occurrences. Have in mind that other road users are unpredictable.
Remove distractions
Distractions are one of the largest causes of accidents on the road, to be a good driver the only thing you have to focus on is your car on the road. You should in any way try to multi-task and keep away any form of distractions. Things that can make you lose focus like your phone, music, radio, and even a talkative passenger. If you find out inherent noise causes a lack of focus tries in every way possible to get rid of that noise.
Be aware of your environment
Understanding the environment and the road can help you become a better driver, for example, if it happens to begin raining and you cannot see, you should park the car and wait for the rain to subside to the level where you know your vision is not compromised. This also implies in different road conditions like gravel, vehicle, load type, and weather affect the driving, understanding the kind of road and the required speed is important to avoid unwanted occurrences like losing a tire on bumpier roads.
Gauge your speed
Speed is very important when driving that’s why most highways provide speed limits, you should not be driving below or above the speed limit. Even without knowing the speed limit to become a better driver, you should be able to gauge how fast they should be going on every road. Do not be pressured by the cars overtaking and zooming off ahead of you. Be responsible, better safe than sorry.
Ability to read road safety signs
In becoming a better driver, you must be able to read all road safety signs and know the meanings this helps you greatly in any circumstances For example knowing when to take a U-turn, Knowing when the road is blocked, when it’s a one-way street, no parking, and other road sign languages.
Adjust your mirrors
Before you start the car as a good driver you should adjust your mirror to your liking, even if you’ve used the car the day before it could have shifted and you must always check all your mirrors. Make sure you can see the cars behind you perfectly well and not the side of your car. This will give you get control and allow you to know what is happening around you by removing all the blind spots.
Keep a safe distance
Keeping a safe distance between your car and another vehicle or inanimate objects is key to becoming a better driver. Tailgating is the term used to describe following a driver following the car in front of them too closely. Maintaining a safe distance is a healthy driving practice because it avoids not being able to brake fast enough and hitting the bumper of the car in front of you and also blocks you from seeing other cars in front of you.
Avoid Lane hoping
Slow traffic can make anybody lose their mind but it is best you keep patient and don’t try to get ahead by hopping from one lane to another. The truth is that lanes move at the speed and the illusion you have that the lane you’re on is not moving is because of your eagerness to leave the traffic. Hoping from lane to lane can cause you to not implement your brake early enough and hit another car in front or beside you. It can also cause your vehicle to get hit.
Proper hold of the steering
The steering wheel is the control of the car and whatever direction it is propelled to it goes. Proper hold of your steering wheel makes you a better driver this is simply because you have proper control of the car and what direction it is heading towards. In becoming a better driver you should know to hold your steering wheel at a 10 to 2 position and maintain both hands on the wheel. Never use one hand to control your steering as that makes you vulnerable to an accident.
Communicate with other road users using indications
In becoming a better driver you should adopt a habit of communicating with road users with the use of your indicators, before making any move on the road whether it is the diversion, parking, stopping, or turning you must ensure that other road users know what you are doing. This avoids collision and reduces road rage.
The bottom Line
Following these tips will immensely improve your driving skill and will make you an better driver than you were. It will also prevent accidents and keep the roads safe, becoming a better driver takes practice.
