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In action movies, drifting around sharp corners and burning rubber may seem exciting, but real driving skill is about avoiding risky manoeuvres. If you’re looking to become a better driver, there are many tips and adjustments you can make to enhance your abilities on the road. Here are some important changes to consider!
1. Maintain a 4-second gap between other vehicles.
Using the 4-second rule helps maintain a safe driving distance. While you might hear about keeping 2 car lengths between you and the vehicle ahead, this isn’t always reliable. The correct distance depends on your speed—2 car lengths could be either too close or too far. Instead, ask yourself, “If the car ahead stopped suddenly, could I come to a complete stop in under 4 seconds if I hit the brakes hard?” If the answer is no, give yourself more space.
2. Adjust your mirrors so they’re correct.
Many drivers fail to set their mirrors correctly. To fix this, start by sitting in the driver’s seat and leaning toward the centre console. Adjust the passenger-side mirror so you can see the edge of your car. Next, place your cheek against the driver’s side window and adjust that mirror in the same way. Finally, sit up straight and adjust the rearview mirror to ensure you can see everything behind you.
- For the best view while driving, adjust your side mirrors so they don’t show the edges of your car. If you can see your car’s sides in the mirrors, they’re not being used effectively. Instead, lean to the side when adjusting them to maximise your field of vision and minimise blind spots.
- This adjustment will also help prevent glare from headlights and reflections, as the wider angle reduces the chances of being blinded.
3. Keep your head on a swivel.
Stay alert and keep an eye on the road and your surroundings. Instead of just following the car in front of you, take time to observe what’s happening around you. Every 5-10 seconds, quickly check your surroundings. Use your mirrors to stay aware of what’s happening to your right, left, and behind. This practice will help you stay focused and prevent you from fixating on one thing for too long.
- When driving on a long, straight highway, focus on looking as far ahead as possible, rather than just concentrating on the vehicle in front of you.
4. Use the flip switch on the rearview.
Many drivers don’t realise that their rearview mirror has two settings! The small tab beneath it is a dimmer switch. If the headlights behind you are too bright at night, simply flip this tab to dim them. This simple feature can improve your visibility and help you drive more safely in low-light conditions.
- Some newer vehicles feature a button instead of a tab for the rearview mirror. Typically, you press or pull the button until it clicks into the second position to activate or deactivate the dimmer.
5. Check your mirrors before changing lanes.
Use your mirrors instead of turning around. When you activate your blinker, check all three mirrors to see the position of other vehicles. This helps you avoid twisting your neck. If you spot 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 changing lanes.
- If there’s no one in front of you and you want to ensure there’s no one in your blind spot, a quick head check can help. While it’s generally unsafe to take your eyes off the road, it’s okay to glance away for a second or two if the path is completely clear.
6. Don’t turn the wheel before you turn left.
Many drivers make mistakes when making left turns. While in the turn lane, keep your wheels straight. Don’t begin turning the wheel until you’re ready to make the turn. Some drivers make the mistake of turning the wheel too early, which can cause them to veer into oncoming traffic. Additionally, 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 not only inefficient but also often violates 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 at your desired destination, not at the steering wheel or the direction your car is pointing. Trust your instincts to help you steer toward your goal, adjusting as needed based on how your car moves.
- This tip is especially helpful on curvy roads or tricky turns. Focus on where you want to go, not where you are right now. Your eyes will naturally guide your steering toward your destination.
8. Anticipate the moves of drivers around you.
Pay attention to how other drivers behave to better understand their intentions. For example, if drivers in another lane keep changing lanes and tailgating, they might become 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 their driving, so if someone is driving erratically or aggressively, it’s important to keep an eye on them and maintain a safe distance.
- Remember, you can’t control the actions of other drivers. Even if you’re a skilled driver, always stay aware of what everyone else is doing!
9. Accelerate, brake, and turn slowly.
Driving should be smooth when done correctly! Accelerate gradually to reach your speed, brake gently, and avoid sharp turns. This approach is the safest, especially in bad weather. It also helps maintain your vehicle’s condition and reduces fuel costs.
- Driving slowly and steadily allows other drivers to better react to your actions on the road.
10. Master parallel parking with traffic cones.
Parallel parking can be tricky, so take the time to practice! Find an empty parking lot and place two cones near a curb. Imagine 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, reverse and straighten out by turning the wheel the other way, aligning your rear wheel with the curb.
- Keep practising until you can parallel park on your first attempt!
Conclusion
Incorporating these 10 tips into your driving routine can greatly improve your skills. By staying focused, practising defensive driving, and adhering to traffic laws, you not only boost your safety but also help create a safer road environment for all. Remember, continuous learning and adaptation are essential to becoming a better driver.
