Are you a good driver?
Often I hear people talk about other people’s driving and how they perceive someone as either a good or a bad driver. It’s an interesting notion which presents the question, what do you consider to be a safe driver?
The Government and Transport Department’s lead us to believe that if you sit on the speed limit and follow the road rules that you are considered a good driver. Whilst motoring bodies say it comes down to experience and road safety training.
In my opinion, it’s a combination of the two. But above all, experience. Experienced learnt by understanding how to handle situations presented under all types of weather and adapting a driving style suited to the conditions on the road.
Knowing how to handle and drive your vehicle safely
Often there is only a split second to react when you are presented a situation and its an instinctive reaction rather than logic that keeps you out of harm’s way. This is one of the reasons that driver training is so important for drivers (young people particularly). Presented these situations in a safe and controlled environment you will instinctively learn how to react to particular situations without even having to think about it.
Be a smart driver
There is more to than just simply obeying the laws of the road. Good drivers are familiar enough with their vehicle to know how to handle it if a dangerous situation occurs. The driver will have enough skill to stop the vehicle quickly in an emergency situation or perform evasive maneuvers to avoid being involved in an accident. You can take defensive driving classes to improve your basic driving skills.
Focusing while driving
Driving to work and back again five times a week can feel routine and even mundane. Despite the familiarity, it's important to always stay focused while driving. According to statistics, in 2010 there were 1,627 fatalities from car accidents. Knowing how to remain focused while driving is essential to keeping our roads safe and becoming a safer driver.
Leave yourself an escape
Defensive driving means to constantly keep yourself in a position where your safety on the road is not in the hands of other drivers. Always give yourself plenty of space when driving so you have a space to go if an accident around you occurs. The more cars traveling around you, the better your chance are of having an accident. So it's imperative you keep distance to avoid driving in concentrated packs of vehicles.
We want to hear your tips to being a better driver!