Top 7 Tips on How to Become a Better Driver
Sharpening your driving skills is an essential part of being a safe and confident driver in today’s world. Not only does improving your driving skills help protect yourself and other drivers on the road, but it also builds confidence and reduces stress when navigating through different environments, which let’s be honest can change at a moment’s notice on the road. Many resources can help you achieve this goal, including our comprehensive blog today.
In this article, we will go over some of the essentials like defensive driving and situational awareness, as well as some of the less-talked-about paths like driving simulators and intelligent dashboards. At Orion Safety Belts our top priority is your safety, so without further adieu, here’s what you need to know to become a better driver!
#1 Learn and Re-learn the Basics of Driving
Learning the basics of driving is essential for sharpening your on-road skills. From understanding how to safely navigate at different speeds, to learning how to properly inspect and maintain your vehicle, having a firm grasp on the fundamentals of driving can save you time and hassle in the long run.
Maximising your learnings when you are learning the basics of driving involves setting achievable goals, creating a plan to reach those goals, and having constant support along the way. Set specific objectives that you want to achieve, such as being able to change lanes without looking over your shoulder or understanding how to make a three-point turn. Once you have identified these goals, create a timeline that monitors your progress and highlights where improvement is needed. Finally, align yourself with resources like knowledgeable drivers who can give you behind-the-wheel instruction or join a driving school, which is often the best place to learn the basics.
#2 Maintaining Your Vehicle
Part of what makes a great driver, well…great, is that they know how to not only drive their vehicle but maintain it. By maintaining we mean both in terms of performance and safety. A good driver isn’t just defined by their ability to drive a car well, but keep their passengers safe and get them to their destination. So, how do you go about maintaining your vehicle?
Checking that all fluid levels are adequate not only ensures you maintain an efficient engine but also helps prevent costly repairs down the line. And, if you plan on driving in wet conditions or long distances, be sure to inspect your wipers at regular intervals so they can clean the windshield properly. By regularly maintaining these essentials of your car, you will be practising safe driving habits that can extend the life of your vehicle.
#3 Check Your Seat Belts and Other Safety Equipment
Speaking of safe driving, be sure to check the essentials of every vehicle – the airbags, and seat belts. Get a professional mechanic or car company to show you how to check if the interior airbags are in working condition. Similarly, check all your seat belts for any wear and tear. Look along their sides and see if there is any fraying of the fabric. Remember, in an accident, should one unfortunately happen, the condition of your internal safety measures could be the difference between walking away unscathed or ending up with serious injuries.
But we have good news for you. If you want to make sure everything in your car is in working condition and you want your seat belts professionally checked, replaced, or installed, we can take care of that for you. More specifically, our talented team of experts here at Orion Safety Belts will be more than happy to help!
#4 Learn and Practice Defensive Driving
Defensive driving is a skill that can be learned and applied by all drivers. The primary goal of defensive driving is to keep yourself, your passengers, and other drivers on the road safe. Learning the basics of defensive driving involves understanding the rules and regulations of your state’s roads, as well as developing your anticipatory skills and reactions.
Practising defensive driving requires you to be aware of what other drivers around you are doing at all times, leave extra room between cars, use turn signals when appropriate, and avoid distractions like playing loud music or using your phone while driving. By adopting these proactive safety measures, you will become a better driver who knows how to handle dangerous situations effectively and responsibly.
#5 Leverage the Latest Driving Assistance Technology
Driving simulators and smart dashboards are becoming increasingly popular for improving drivers’ skills and promoting safe driving habits. Simulators can be used to simulate different aspects of driving, such as night-time driving and traffic situations, helping drivers become more familiar with their vehicles and the roads they will be driving on.
Smart dashboards provide real-time information to drivers about the speed they have chosen, fuel levels, and other important details while they are on the road. This allows drivers to stay up-to-date on their vehicle’s performance and make informed decisions while driving.
Additionally, real-time information technology, such as GPS systems, enables drivers to use navigation tools to better find their destination or take alternate routes when necessary due to traffic jams or poor weather conditions. All these advancements in driver safety technology help promote responsible behaviour from drivers, keeping them informed and prepared for any situation that may arise while on the road.
#6 Keep an Eye on the Weather
Now we have spoken about being situationally aware in the previous tips. One of the major influencing factors of any drive is the weather. And while it’s not in anyone’s power to control it, you can be situationally aware of it. Drivers need to be prepared for inclement weather and stay informed of any potential hazards.
Before heading out on the road, you should check the local forecast and any advisories from your state or local government about driving conditions. If storms are expected, it is recommended that you avoid driving if possible. However, if you must drive during bad weather, be sure to maintain a safe speed for the conditions and turn off cruise control to allow yourself more control over your vehicle. Additionally, carry appropriate supplies such as extra blankets, flashlights, batteries, and other emergency items in your car in case of an unexpected situation while travelling during bad weather.
#7 Be Aware of the Latest Traffic Laws
Staying up to date with traffic laws is an important part of being a responsible driver. Knowing the regulations of the roads helps ensure that you are following proper safety protocols and obeying any necessary rules. As you know, like many laws, traffic rules and regulations are constantly being changed and updated.
You can find this information online or through your local Driving and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) office. It’s also important for drivers to understand the implications of breaking these laws and the potential consequences of doing so, from receiving a fine to having their license revoked or suspended.
By following these tips, you will find that you’re well on your way to becoming that much more of a better driver! However, if you have any questions, or if your car’s safety feature needs an upgrade, don’t hesitate to reach out to us!
