Drive Safe: Your Guide To Being A Better Driver

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If you are like most drivers, you are pretty happy with your driving ability. But the truth is that there is nobody on the road who couldn’t benefit from a little extra practice. Driving is one of those activities at which you are always improving. Nobody ever gets to a point of perfection with driving. It is a continual learning curve which continues for most of your life. However, part of that means that there is always something to learn. And getting as good as possible at driving is something which benefits all road users. Safety, after all, is of primary importance when it comes to life on the roads. That’s why it is in your benefit and the benefit of others to drive as well as possible.

Accidents do, unfortunately, occur all the time. Nobody knows whether or not they will be in one, or when. The best that we can do is minimize the risk of such an event happening. If you have any interest in doing so, then read on. Let’s look at how to become a better driver – today.

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One person died in this three-car crash. (KATU News photo)
One person died in this three-car crash. (KATU News photo)

Most of us pass our driving test and then go out on the roads, and never look back. This is perfectly understandable. Once you have gone through the trials of becoming qualified, why stop there? However, it might be in any driver’s benefit to learn a little more, after their test. The fact is, anyone could benefit from learning as much as possible. That’s why you should seriously consider getting extra training after you pass your test.

There are plenty of types of training available, from night-driving to all-terrain. Really, it is all about choosing whatever you feel best suits you in your situation. If you think you will be doing a lot of driving in the wee hours, then take a night-driving course. Alternatively, you could take a defensive driving course. These courses teach you all the advanced techniques of safe driving. What’s more, they can even knock a considerable amount off your insurance premium. Now that is tempting!

Steer Clear Of Competitive Driving

Far and away, The most common cause of the worst accidents is competitive driving. The fact is, competitive driving can be so subtle that you don’t even know you are doing it. Most of us find ourselves engaged in this kind of behaviour much of the time when we are on the roads. It can be as simple as engaging in a little mini drag race at the traffic lights. On the other end of the scale, it can be much more serious. Some of the worst accidents you will ever see are the result of people racing each other through the streets. Competitive driving, at any level, is extremely dangerous. If you often find yourself trying to compete with other cars, it might be time to take stock. That kind of driving is all well and good on the derby course, but out in the real world, it does nobody any favours whatsoever.

If you find that you often struggle to keep your competitive streak under control, consider learning to tone it down. A simple practice of noticing when it arises and letting it pass can make a huge difference. The last thing you want is to cause a serious accident.

Know What To Do If The Worst Happens

Regardless of how safe you are, there is always the possibility that you will crash. This is just a part of the driving experience. If you are lucky, you will go through life without ever having to experience a car accident. However, most people do have to go through at least a minor collision at some point. Knowing what to do in those situations can really make all the difference. Do you know the essential steps to take if you are involved in an accident?

After coming to a complete stop, it is imperative that you check to see if anyone is injured. If they are, you need to call the police – it is a legal duty. After that, it’s a case of swapping as many details as possible with the other parties. It is also at this point that you might consider contacting your attorney. Choosing an attorney is an important process in itself. If you call Car Accident Lawyer, Boris Lavent, today, you can get an idea of what you can expect. Regardless of what decision you come to, being prepared for the worst will make you feel like a more confident driver.

Keep Your Car In Peak Condition

How to do Your Own Oil Change at HomeAs well as learning how to drive as well as possible, it is also imperative that you take proper care of your car. Most of us like to look after our car – but this is much more than a cosmetic concern. It is vital, in the name of safety, that you keep your car in as good a condition as possible. This way, you reduce the likelihood of being involved in any unfortunate incidents while driving. It is all about keeping up with the basics of motor maintenance.

The tyres are a vital part to this. You should check the tyre pressure every six weeks at least, as this is a major cause of car accidents. It is also important to check your oil and water levels. The last thing you want is to cause a problem with your engine. This could cause a real tragedy to occur, and it could cost you plenty in the long run. Remember: it is always cheaper to take care of your car than have to take it to a mechanic. Ultimately, you want to ensure that your car is kept in the best condition possible. Reducing the risk of crashing is an important responsibility for all road users. If you have fallen behind on your car maintenance, make a change today. Learn to take good care of your car, as much as possible. You never know: you could even save someone’s life.

Emily Muelford
Emily is a British writer whose love of car culture is augmented by a fascination with both the European and American automotive markets. Her perspective is uniquely fish and chips.