Cars benefit our lives in multiple ways, perhaps too many to list down. For instance, it is how most of us get to work from home and back, run errands, or do business. They make it easier to transport stuff as well without spending so much money or effort on it. The benefits are even more when you have your own car. However, cars come with a huge responsibility. Alongside driving training, you need to be super keen at all times while on the road.
Well, this helps enhance your safety, the safety of other occupants in the car you are driving, as well as the safety of other road users. Being a smart driver also involves the ability to make split-second decisions that can save lives, time, and money. It involves understanding your vehicle, ensuring proper maintenance, carrying the right insurance, and everything in-between. In this piece, we shall highlight a few tips on how to become a smart and safe driver.
1. Take the Appropriate Driving Course
Well, to become a driver, you need to undertake a course from a recognized and certified institution near you or the area you intend to use the skills. This is because some traffic rules often vary from one region or country to the other. In Australia, for instance, they keep left, and distance is measured in Kilometers. If you are located near the capital, the best part is that there are multiple learning and test centers across the Sydney western suburbs and the surrounding areas. All you need to do is to pick a good course provider, take the test after completion, and get your driver’s license once you pass the test.
After this, you can take a defensive driving course, which is intended to advance your skills behind the wheel. If you have been a driver for a while, perhaps you have come across a few challenges here and there. These courses are meant to help you know how to approach these challenges better and safer. Special courses may also be needed when switching vehicles, traveling overseas, or taking up driving as an occupation.
2. Inspect Your Car Before Driving Off
Most of us will take some time in front of the mirror to make sure we look presentable before heading out. The same thing should be done to your car although the concern here is about your safety rather than the elegance of the car. Before heading out, take a look at the tires, the lights, blinkers, engine oil, radiator, and other parts of the car that could compromise your safety if faulty. It is good to speed a bit and check if the brakes are okay. After you are sure the essentials are working, then you can proceed. Always be keen on the sounds in your car. A smart and careful driver will always hear when something isn’t right in their car.
3. Don’t Speed, You Will Get There Eventually
Those of us with cars have them for the luxury and convenience of moving around. We all want to reach our destinations sooner than later. However, unless you are racing for some trophy, there is no need to speed. Sometimes speeding increases the chances that you get there late or never get there at all. When you get arrested or are involved in an accident, the speeding will have been for nothing. Therefore, drive at the required speeds and you will get there on time and safely.
4. Avoid Driving Distractors
It’s against the law to text when driving. The urge to text back when you receive texts when driving, but you are far much safer when you turn it off and stick it in your pocket. Texting is, however, not the only distraction to driving. When you are preoccupied, fiddling with the radio, eating while on the wheel, or have a talkative passenger, your concentration on the road is affected. If you want to be a safe driver, you need to understand what steals your concentration when you are on the wheel and avoid it. If you are going to use the navigation on your car or your phone, have a look at it before heading out so you have an idea of where you are going. That way, you will only be taking a quick peek at the screen for confirmation.
Driving is a technical skill that most of us depend on daily. Considering the many factors revolving around traffic use, you can never be too sure that something bad will not happen. If you are a smart and safe driver, however, you can minimize risks and inconveniences in your commute. The above few tips could help you do just that.