Driving is a curious beast – it’s easy to learn and very hard to master.
And that wouldn’t be too much of a problem if everybody played by the rules and that skill gap wasn’t something that can potentially help you avoid accidents.
Also, drivers who lack experience often feel a high level of anxiety which, in itself, presents a danger to all road users.
Let us take a look then at the top eight tips that will help you overcome these issues, start driving like a pro, and make the roads a slightly safer place to be.
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1. Practice Driving in the Rain
Everyone who has ever sat behind the wheel knows how unbearable roads become in case of rain.
But, very few of us know just how devastating an effect weather conditions have on road safety.
According to a recent study, as much as 70% of weather-related crashes occur on wet pavement or during rain.
So, take this issue very seriously and look at the next time it rains as an opportunity to take a few laps around the block and practice your skills.
2. Eliminate Distraction
Human beings aren’t capable of multitasking – it’s a fact.
Therefore, you should do your best to eliminate all distractions that would prevent you from giving full attention to the road ahead of you.
If music relaxes you, keep it quiet so it doesn’t become hindering.
If you absolutely have to answer a phone call, use the Bluetooth headset.
Just don’t take the eyes off the road.
3. Abide by the Rules
Traffic tends to be horribly tiring.
But, if you disregard the rules and take advantage of other drivers, you are not producing a solution, just becoming a part of the problem.
Also, the rules are carefully devised for a reason – breaking them means putting yourself in danger.
The bottom line is, be careful to read all the signs and abide by the traffic rules, even when it feels tedious or counterintuitive.
4. Keep your Car in Good Shape
Driving a faulty vehicle means begging for an accident to occur.
But the issue of maintenance doesn’t end here.
The knowledge that their vehicle is in perfect shape can also help inexperienced drivers overcome their anxiety and drive with more confidence.
Be sure, then, to look out for signs of tyre defects and other common car problems, and be quick to react if you notice anything suspicious.
5. Don’t Pay Attention to Aggressive Drivers
There are a lot of drivers out there who are ready to perform some crazy stunts to meet their goals.
Whether we are talking about cutting off other drivers or violating speed limitations, all these escapades present an incredible danger to all the participants in the traffic.
If you stumble upon one of these people, don’t try to fight for your rights.
Just stay away and let them pass.
6. Work on your Weaknesses
All drivers have their strong and weak points.
Although the sum of the two makes one perfectly serviceable driving skill, some situations will force you to perform manoeuvres that aren’t necessarily your bread and butter.
It is far better to take a couple of hours each week to practice these difficult maneuvers in favorable conditions than to learn them the hard way when you least expect it.
7. Make Sure You are Fit to Drive
Driving is an activity that requires full commitment.
If you feel you are not able to give your 100%, just leave the driving to someone else.
And if you know that you need to drive the next day and there’s no one to replace you, avoid alcohol and make sure you are well rested.
Any kind of serious health issues and drugs that affect concentration are a perfectly good excuse to take a cab.
8. Practice Mindfulness
This may sound like overkill, but we all live fast-paced lives and have thousands of things running through our minds.
The thing is, it doesn’t take more than a couple of distracting thoughts for us to overlook a warning or speed through a red light.
Practice mindfulness and learn how to rid your mind of unnecessary clutter, and you will make the world a much safer place for all.
We hope these few tips will set you on the right track and help you overcome your road shortcoming.
Driving is a skill we are learning all our lives, so there is always room for improvement.
Now you, at least, have all the necessary tools to make these steps forward.