How To Become A Really Safe Driver
Safe driving habits can be hard to learn, particularly if you’re a learner driver and are still nervous or intimidated when you drive. But if you focus on just a few safe driving techniques, you can ensure you’re ready for any on-road situation, and can boost your confidence behind the wheel. The best way to become a safe on the road is taking the NSW Safer Drivers Course. Here are a few other steps you should take to become a really safe driver!
1. Avoid Distracted Driving & Focus On The Road
Put your cell phone down. Choose a radio station before you leave your driveway. Don’t eat while driving. Keep conversations with passengers to a minimum. As a new driver, you need to avoid distractions at all costs.
While a more experienced driver may be able to do things like adjust the car’s A/C system while still paying attention to the road, this is much harder for new drivers, and even fully-licenced drivers need to avoid distractions as much as possible.
Driving should be treated seriously, not lightly. Maintain your focus, don’t be distracted, and always be aware of what’s happening around you to ensure you can drive safely.
2. Never Exceed The Speed Limit – But Don’t Drive Too Slowly
Make sure you don’t exceed posted speed limits. Not only is speeding illegal, but it also shortens the time you have to react to on-road situations, which means you won’t be able to respond to hazards as effectively.
However, you also should not drive too slowly. Try not to drive more than 10-15 km/h below posted speed limits. Other drivers don’t expect you to be driving slowly, so this can lead to dangerous on-road situations, or even “road rage” if they are frustrated with you for driving well below the speed limit. This should be avoided.
3. Maintain Proper Spacing Between Your Vehicle And The Car In Front Of You
You should maintain a gap of at least 3-4 seconds between you and the car in front of you. This way, you can be prepared to react if they make an unexpected manoeuvre – if they slam on the brakes, for example, you will have time to come to a stop without hitting them.
Or, if they make a sudden lane change because the vehicle ahead of them stopped, you will have time to move over or bring your vehicle to a halt. Maintaining a proper gap between you and other vehicles on the road is one of the most essential safe driving tips.
4. Check Your Mirrors & Blind Spot Regularly
You should be checking your rear-view mirror once every 5-8 seconds to identify drivers behind you, and you should use your side mirrors whenever you do things like switch lanes, pull over, merge, pass a car, or stop & start your vehicle.
In addition, do “head checks” and look over your shoulder into your blind spot whenever you switch a lane. Mirrors don’t give you a full view of the road, so make sure that you always double-check before changing your road position.
5. Always Be Aware Of Your Surroundings
You should be aware of vehicles, bikes, pedestrians, and any other road users near you – but you should also be scanning about 20-30 seconds ahead of your car, as well.
Always keep your eyes moving to identify road users around you, potential hazards, upcoming road elements like stop signs and stop lights, and other such things. This ensures you’ll have more time to react in a potential hazard situation.
Take The Safer Drivers Course From LTrent Driving School To Learn More!
These techniques are helpful, but to truly become a safe driver, it’s important to learn the theories behind defensive driving and to also practice them under the supervision of a professional driving instructor.
So don’t wait. Learn more about the Safer Drivers Course from LTrent Driving School now, and get the skills you need to drive more safely – along with 20 hours toward your NSW logbook requirement!