Whether you just got your driver’s license recently or you’ve had it for years, there’s always room for improvement when it comes to your driving skills. New drivers can be overly cautious or lack the experience to be skilled at driving, while veteran drivers can become complacent and lack caution. Here are four tips to improve your driving skills.
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Know Your Vehicle
Knowing your vehicle may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s important when it comes to driving around town or down the highway. Take the time to learn where all the controls are, what they do, and when they should be used. You’ll also want to take your vehicle for a spin and go through braking maneuvers to determine how your vehicle reacts. Another great test for your vehicle that lets you know how it handles is to take it out in adverse conditions, such as rain and snow. Be sure that you’re able to perform these maneuvers safely.
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Hands on the Wheel
In driver’s education class, you were taught to keep your hands on the wheel in a specific position. Driver’s education instructors taught us to imagine the steering wheel as a clock to put our hands in the correct position. If your class was years ago, you’ll remember that as at 10 and 2; however, times and suggestions have changed. Now instructors recommend that you keep your hands at either 9 and 3 or 8 and 4. The new positioning enables you to have better stability and control while also being more ergonomically comfortable.
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Stay Alert and Focused
It should go without saying that you need to have your full attention on the road. Eliminate distractions such as cell phones, drive-through food, or radio stations that you change for every song. Using your phone, such as texting, while driving is very distracting and illegal in almost all states. Taking your eyes off the road for even a couple of seconds can mean the difference between safe driving and an accident. Another consideration is driving when tired or otherwise incapacitated due to alcohol or drugs, including certain prescribed medications. If you can’t keep your full attention on the road, you shouldn’t be on it.
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Don’t Speed
Whether you’re running late or just like to drive fast, going over the posted speed limit is dangerous because it drastically increases the risk of getting into an accident. It can also land you a ticket and a fine. If either of these happens to you, you’re not saving any time by driving faster. Mathematically, speeding doesn’t save enough time to take the chance of a ticket or accident. If you’re driving 65 mph in a 55 mph zone and cover 15 miles, you only save yourself a couple of minutes. Learn to plan to leave for your destination on time instead.
The best way to improve your driving skills is to get out there and drive while following the tips above to be a conscientious driver. Slow down, keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel, and you’ll get to your destination safely.
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