Getting your driver’s license is a major accomplishment and requires you to learn a whole slew of different skills, all of which prepare you to become a safe driver. However, most of us can still continue learning how to become better drivers even after we’ve gotten our licenses. Consider following these tips if you’re looking to improve your driving skills and become the best and safest driver you can be.
- Have a Driving Preparation Routine
Safe driving begins before you turn the ignition and set out on the road. Before each trip, you should conduct a basic preparation routine to make sure you and your vehicle are ready to drive safely.
This doesn’t have to be anything too complicated—the following steps make for a great pre-driving prep routine:
- Do a quick inspection – Walk around your car before you enter the vehicle. This serves two purposes: you want to check for any obstacles in front or behind the car, and you want to check for any damage.
- Make adjustments if necessary – Your mirrors, seat, headrest, and steering wheel should all be in the right positions. This is especially important if more than one person regularly uses your car. Mirrors should be in the right position to allow you to keep an eye on your blind spots. Your headrest should be positioned directly behind your head, and the steering wheel should be in a comfortable position.
- Look for warning lights – Make sure no indicator lights go on when you start your car, such as the check engine light or oil level indicator light. You want to be aware of any issues before you start driving. If any indicator lights do go on, make sure to visit a mechanic as soon as possible to get it checked out.
- Always buckle up – About 85 percent of Americans regularly use their seatbelts, so you’re probably already buckling up regularly. Still, it bears repeating, as failing to buckle up greatly increases the risk of severe or fatal injuries during an accident. According to the NHTSA, 51% of fatal traffic accident injuries in 2020 involved individuals who were not wearing seatbelts.
- Always Follow the Four-Second Rule
The “two car-length” rule is common advice intended to help drivers keep adequate spacing between their car and the vehicle in front of them. However, the four-second rule is a much safer way to ensure that you have enough distance ahead of you in case you need to come to an unexpected stop. Simply ensure that you have enough room to stop within four seconds if the driver in front of you stopped suddenly and you needed to slam on the brakes to avoid a collision. If you catch yourself too close, slow down a bit until you reach a safer following distance.
- Stay Focused at All Times
Most drivers are well aware of the dangers of distracted driving, but simply avoiding distractions like cell phone use or eating while behind the wheel is not enough. Safe driving requires constant attention to the road ahead of you and your surroundings.
You should be scanning the view in front of you about every 5 to 10 seconds. Looking ahead a few hundred feet is also a good habit. Make sure that you also regularly check to your right and left, and in your rearview mirrors. This will help you more quickly respond to any unexpected dangers.
- Drive Defensively
Safe driving isn’t just about following the rules of the road and maneuvering your own vehicle safely. It also requires a constant awareness of the other motorists you’re sharing the road with and knowing how to respond to common dangerous driving behaviors in others, such as speeding and aggression.
Defensive driving allows you to anticipate hazards and dangerous situations and take appropriate measures to avoid getting into an accident. The main principles of defensive driving include:
- Always look ahead and be ready for the unexpected
- Be prepared for all types of actions and reactions from other motorists and pedestrians
- Don’t expect other drivers to drive the way you normally would
- Consistently watch other drivers
- Show respect to all other motorists, pedestrians, cyclists, etc.
- Drive With Slow and Smooth Movements
Avoid any abruptness when accelerating, braking, and making turns. You want to make these movements gradually. This helps make driving safer in all conditions, but especially when roadways are slick due to rain, snow, or ice. It also helps protect your vehicle from wearing down prematurely due to unnecessary strains caused by abruptly hitting the brakes or taking turns too suddenly.
Driving with controlled, smooth movements also makes you more predictable to other motorists, which makes the roadway safer for everyone. Unexpected movements can force other motorists to adjust suddenly and this often leads to accidents.