When you’ve driven for years, bad habits can occur which not only affect your driving skills, but the condition of the car. In other words, it’s not good to get complacent! There’s always room for improvement.
Have a read at our top tips on how to avoid bad habits and become a much better driver.
Stick to Speed Limits
Speed limits are there to enforce your safety. Furthermore, breaking a speed limit is to break the law; the consequences involve fines & points on your license.
Fast driving also takes up more fuel, increasing general costs which can hit you financially.
Adapt to Different Conditions
Speed limits should be a maximum on dry, clear weather; your speed should be slower when the weather changes.
For example, when there’s fog, or when the sun is low, vision is impaired; reducing your driving speed reduces the risk of an accident.
Drive Smoothly
As much as 30% of your fuel intake can be reduced, simply by accelerating & decelerating in smooth, orderly fashion. Stamping on the brakes & accelerator is a disservice to not only your but to drivers & pedestrians around you.
Knowing the road ahead is the first step to a smoother driving experience.
Brake Improvements
As mentioned in tip 3, start-stop breaking is damaging to your car brakes & tyres.
Braking should be a progressive action; start with it lightly, increase the pressure, & then finish lightly.
When entering a bend, lower the speed of the car, & accelerate slowly as you come out the other side. Braking in the middle of the bend runs the risk of putting your car out of balance, losing control.
Avoid Tailgating
Tailgating is when you’re very close to the vehicle in front of you. Not only is this dangerous, but it also increases premiums if an accident occurs. The recommended average is to be at least two seconds behind the vehicle in front of you.
Look Forward
Even when you’re observing the two to three seconds rule behind the car in front, it’s wise to look further ahead to see if any traffic or dangerous situations are occurring. Whilst you may be driving safe, other drivers may not.
When Lights are Right
Car lights have uses depending on your situation but should be used accordingly. For example, Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) are unsuitable for after dark, due to the rear lights not being illuminated.
Headlights should not just be used for after dark, but during moments when visibility is greatly reduced – for example, during fog. In any situation where you cannot see more than 100 metres in front, headlights must be used.
City-Smart
Within towns and cities, pay close attention to your surroundings. Speed limits will vary depending on where you are, so keep an eye on what’s allowed.
Due to the large number of pedestrians walking around, it’s essential to be alert of any sudden appearances on the road, especially when driving past schools and play areas.
Deal with Distractions
Distractions come in all shapes and sizes & can lead to a loss of concentration if you’re not careful. The safety of you & others should never be underestimated.
Try to ensure sat-navigation systems & radios are rarely adjusted; if so, park up where possible. If children in the car misbehave, provide them with things to gather their attention.
Crucially, using your phone whilst driving will result in a fine & points on your license, so it’s best to keep silent, place it in the glove box, or simply have it turned off.
Take Pride in your Driving
People take driving for granted. Be the person who takes it seriously. There’s nothing wrong in enjoying yourself, but don’t let it be at the expense of your safety.
And there you have it – special tips no PCO or Uber driver should do without. Start using these, and your passengers will have no choice than to give you a five-star rating!
