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In action movies, drifting around sharp corners and burning rubber might look cool, but real driving skill is avoiding risky moves. If you want to become a better driver, there are plenty of tips and changes you can make to improve your skills on the road. Here are some key adjustments to consider!
1. Maintain a 4-second gap between other vehicles.
Using a 4-second rule helps you maintain safe driving distance. While you might hear about keeping 2 car lengths between you and the vehicle ahead, it’s not always accurate. The right distance depends on your speed; 2 car lengths could be insufficient or excessive. Instead, ask yourself, “If the car ahead stopped suddenly, could I stop in under 4 seconds if I hit the brakes hard?” If not, give yourself more space.
2. Adjust your mirrors so they’re actually correct.
Many people don’t have their mirrors set correctly. To fix this, start from the driver’s seat and lean towards the center console. Adjust your passenger-side mirror so you can see the edge of your car. Next, put your cheek against the driver’s side window and adjust that mirror the same way. Finally, sit straight in the driver’s seat and adjust the rearview mirror to see everything behind you.
- To get the best view while driving, adjust your side mirrors so they don’t show the sides of your car. If you see the car’s edges in your mirrors, you’re not using them effectively. Instead, lean to the side when adjusting them to maximize your field of vision and reduce blind spots.
- This will also help prevent you from being blinded by headlights and reflections because the angle will be wider.
3. Keep your head on a swivel.
Stay alert and pay attention to the road and your surroundings. Instead of just following the car in front of you, look around and see what is happening. Every 5-10 seconds, quickly check the area around you. Use your mirrors to see what is happening to your right, left, and behind. This will help you stay focused and avoid looking at one thing for too long.
- When driving on a long, straight highway, look as far ahead as you can instead of just focusing on the vehicle in front of you.
4. Use the flip switch on the rear view.
Many people don’t realize that your rearview mirror has two settings! The small tab under your rearview mirror is a dimmer switch. If headlights behind you are too bright at night, flip this tab to dim the lights. This simple feature can help you see better and drive more safely in low-light conditions.
- Some newer vehicles have a button instead of a tab for the rearview mirror. Usually, you push or pull the tab until it clicks into the second position to turn the dimmer on or off.
5. Check your mirrors before changing lanes.
Use your mirrors instead of turning around. When you turn on your blinker, check all three mirrors to see where the other vehicles are. This way, you don’t have to twist your neck. If you see an opening for a lane change, quickly check your blind spot. By checking your mirrors first, you won’t need to look at every vehicle before switching lanes.
- If there’s no one in front of you and you want to be sure no one is in your blind spot, you can do a quick head check. It’s usually unsafe to take your eyes off the road, but if it’s completely clear, it’s okay to look away for a second or two.
6. Don’t turn the wheel before you turn left.
Many people make mistakes when making left turns. When you are in the turn lane, keep your wheels straight. Don’t turn the wheel until you are ready to make the turn. Some drivers wait with their steering wheel turned, which can cause them to turn too much and go into oncoming traffic. Also, if someone hits you from behind while your wheels are turned, your car could slide into oncoming traffic.
- Also, avoid turning into the right-hand lane when making a left turn. This is inefficient and often against traffic rules.
7. Pin your eyes on your target in tight situations.
If your car skids or slides, focus on where you want to go. Look ahead to where you want your car to go, not at the steering wheel or the direction your car is pointing. Your instincts will help you steer toward your destination, adjusting as needed based on how your car moves.
- This tip is useful on curvy roads or tricky turns. Focus on where you want to go, not where you currently are. Your eyes will guide your steering naturally towards your destination.
8. Anticipate the moves of drivers around you.
Pay attention to how other drivers behave to understand their intentions. For example, if drivers in another lane keep changing lanes and tailgating, they might be aggressive if you get too close. If the car in front of you keeps slowing down and speeding up, they could be distracted, so stay alert. Drivers communicate their intentions through driving, so if someone is driving erratically or aggressively, it’s wise to keep an eye on them and maintain a safe distance.
- Remember, you can’t control other drivers’ actions. Even if you’re a skilled driver, always know what everyone else is doing!
9. Accelerate, brake, and turn slowly.
Driving should be smooth if done correctly! Accelerate smoothly to reach speed, brake gently, and avoid sudden turns. This is the safest driving approach, especially in bad weather. It also keeps your vehicle in good shape and saves on fuel costs.
- Moving slowly and steadily helps other drivers react better to your actions on the road.
10. Master parallel parking with traffic cones.
Parallel parking can be challenging, so practice when you have time! Find an empty parking lot and set up two cones near a curb. Pretend there’s a car parked in front of you by the first cone. Pull up next to it and align your car’s passenger seat with where the imaginary car’s passenger seat would be. Turn your steering wheel towards the curb. Then, straighten out by turning the wheel the other way as you reverse, aligning your rear wheel with the curb.
- Keep practicing until you can parallel park in one try!
Conclusion
Incorporating these 10 tips into your driving habits can significantly enhance your skills. By staying focused, practicing defensive driving, and respecting traffic laws, you improve your safety and contribute to a safer road environment for everyone. Remember, continuous learning and adaptation are key to becoming a better driver.
FAQs
Q1: What are the benefits of practicing defensive driving?
Ans: Defensive driving helps you anticipate and respond to potential hazards on the road, reducing the risk of accidents.
Q2: How can I improve my focus while driving?
Ans: Minimize distractions like phones and loud music, and stay alert by scanning your surroundings regularly.
Q3: Why is maintaining a safe following distance important?
Ans: It gives you more time to react if the vehicle in front slows down or stops suddenly, preventing rear-end collisions.
Q4: What should I do before starting a long drive?
Ans: Ensure your vehicle is in good condition, take breaks to stay refreshed, and plan your route.
Q5: How can I handle road rage or aggressive drivers?
Ans: Stay calm, avoid confrontation, and report aggressive behavior to authorities if necessary.
Q6: Is it important to obey traffic laws and speed limits?
Ans: Following these rules promotes safety and prevents accidents and legal consequences.
Q7: What should I do if I’m unfamiliar with the road or driving conditions?
Ans: Drive cautiously, use GPS or maps for guidance, and adjust your speed to match the conditions.
Q8: How can I prepare for driving in adverse weather?
Ans: Check weather forecasts, ensure your vehicle’s lights and wipers work, and drive slower than usual.
Q9: Why is it essential to use turn signals and check blind spots?
Ans: Signaling your intentions alerts other drivers, reducing the risk of collisions when changing lanes or turning.
Q10: What steps can I take to improve my overall driving skills?
Ans: Practice regularly, take advanced driving courses if possible, and stay updated on traffic laws and safety practices.