4 Ways to Become a Better Driver

From rash teenagers to overly cautious senior citizens, some of the drivers on the roadways can leave you shaking your head in bewilderment. However, even good drivers can benefit from learning how to do better, whether you’re on the offensive or defensive. Let’s take a look at a few ways to improve your driving skills.

Take a Defensive Driver Course

Not only does taking a defensive driver course save you money on your insurance and take points off your driving record, it also teaches you tips and tricks to become a better driver. Although the law doesn’t require that drivers refresh their knowledge of the road, a defensive driving course can be a great way to remember laws and learn about updates that have gone into effect since you started driving. These courses cover important information that everyone should know and only cost about $35.

Know Proper Hand Positions

Before air bags came standard in cars, driver’s ed classes taught that you should keep your hands at the 10 and 2 positions. Since the mandatory requirement that manufacturers install airbags in every car, the hand position changed, too. Now, driving instructors teach students to keep their hands at the 9 and 3 or 8 and 4 positions. It gives you more stability and control and is safer if air bags do deploy. It’s also more relaxing and ergonomic to keep your hands in these positions, making you a better driver.

Don’t Drive When You’re Tired

Approximately 11 million drivers admit they have had or almost had an accident because they fell asleep while driving. There’s no standardized test to diagnose sleepiness as there is for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. It’s also hard for anyone else to tell whether you’re too tired to drive, so it’s something you have to gauge for yourself. Even if you don’t fall asleep while driving, serious lack of sleep can impair your driving abilities as much as drinking and driving. If you haven’t gotten enough sleep, if you took medicine that made you drowsy, or if you are feeling tired because you’re under the weather, postpone your trip and take a nap before driving.

Avoid Distractions

Even though it’s the law to put down cellphones, it’s hard to give up our connection to the world while driving. And not only cellphones but eating, drinking, playing with the radio, or arguing with a passenger can cause you to concentrate on things other than the road. Not knowing where you’re going can cause you to panic and make a quick and unsafe decision. Plan out your route ahead of time and avoid all other distractions to keep you safe on the road.

The best way to become a better driver is to practice driving. Everyone makes mistakes, but if you learn from yours, you’ve already succeeded in becoming a better driver. Even if you’re alert, quick to act, and driving defensively, there are plenty of other distracted, drunk, or texting people who can surprise you. It’s important for everyone to be aware of what’s around them and leave the distractions at home so the roads are a safer place populated with skilled drivers.

 

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