Driving a vehicle is an achievement for many, and although this might not happen until later in life, it’s empirical to learn to be the best at it when you finally have a vehicle of your own.
Mistakes can be committed by even the most professional drivers, but that does not mean you should be careless when driving. While getting your license is an essential part of becoming a driver, it is only the start of the journey in acquiring your driving skills. Once you’re driving on your own, you should learn and develop skills and abilities for safe driving.
1. Acquire an excellent sense of navigation
One of the most important skills required to be a safe driver is to have a great sense of navigation. While modern electronics and GPS systems have become an essential tool for every driver, it is important to remember that technology can be faulty or what’s worse, it may break down.
So, you must be able to read and interpret maps, be aware of which roads can or cannot be driven on and be able to look out for road safety signs.
2. Be responsible and reliable
Like any other job or task, you must be responsible and reliable, not only for your own safety but also for the safety of others around you – which include passengers and other drivers on the road. While driving, several situations may arise that will warrant you to respond accordingly.
For instance, if it’s pouring rain, you may want to slow down and keep a fair distance to the car in front of you. Road safety must be your top priority to prevent accidents and any other mishaps. No doubt, being responsible and reliable are characteristics of a safe driver that will help keep you and your community safe.
3. Keep in mind that speeding doesn’t save time
Driving basically helps you get from point A to point B. You might think speeding will help you save time and reach point B faster, but the simple truth is, it won’t. A vital characteristic of a safe driver is understanding that speeding, especially within the city or town streets, is potentially dangerous.
Your driving instructor would have stressed about sticking to the speed limit when you were first learning to drive. The instructor would have warned you about failing the driving test if you didn’t adhere to it. These rules are no set in place to make the test hard for you, but to ensure that you practice safe driving from the get-go.
There’s no question that speeding can put you and others around you at a safety risk. So, it’s advisable not to go beyond the stipulated speed limit on the roads. If you need to get to your destination quickly, use alternative routes. A safe driver will not rush through crowded streets.
On the other hand, driving extremely slow or road hogging is also not the characteristic of a safe driver. . If you are comfortable driving just a little below the speed limit, keep well to the left (including on dual carriageways) unless ––
- you intend to overtake;
- you intend to turn right; or
- there is a bicycle lane, in which case, you should keep to the left-most vehicle lane.
4. Keep alert
Another important quality of a good and safe driver is being alert and ready to handle any situation on the road. Sudden, unwanted situations could arise and put your driving skills to the test; Maybe you saw the red light later than you should have, or the driver in front of you suddenly steps on the brakes. How do you avoid an accident in that instance?
If you are driving a newer car, you probably have anti-lock brakes installed. But what if you don’t have it installed or you are driving an older car, you would need to steer clear even with the brake pedal pushed to the floor.
Though emergencies like this don’t always happen, it is important to always be prepared.
5. Understand the road rules
Keeping alert is necessary, but that’s not all the skills required. To be a safe driver that others can trust, you must know and understand the road rules. You must comprehend what the different road signs mean and always follow the stipulated rules and regulations.
Aside from that, it’s also important to use your turn signals. Your turn signals are there to alert other drivers that you will be changing lanes, getting off at an exit or making right or left turns. The driver behind you can’t read your mind, so not only is failing to signal one of the worst driving etiquette mistakes you can make, but it could also cause an accident.
6. Practice self-discipline
Self-discipline is another crucial quality of a safe driver. It’s easy to expect others to obey traffic rules and drive reasonably, but it may not always be the case when it comes to obeying it yourself. Driving past a red light may make you feel like a daredevil, but does it make you a safe driver? The simple answer is no.
A safe driver is a self-disciplined driver – there is no debate about that. Remember, that your life and the life of others around you can be at risk even with the slightest display of recklessness. So, always be disciplined and be a safe driver.
7. Be patient
Patience is a good virtue everyone should have. It is also an essential characteristic of a safe driver. Remember, you are not in a race to get to your destination first. Instead, you should be concerned about getting to your destination safely. Patience is a necessary quality of a good driver as it keeps you safe and helps you stay calm and collected even when things don’t go as planned.
8. Be cautious at all times
There are different types of drivers on the road with you. Some are great and practice safe driving, while others may be reckless. This is why you need to be cautious at all times in order to avoid mishaps and accidents.
Being cautious is certainly a quality of a good driver. Keep in mind that there are many people on the road who may not practice safe driving like you.
9. Ensure your vehicle is in good condition
Always ensure that your vehicle is fit to drive. Being a safe driver goes beyond keeping to traffic rules. It also includes ensuring that the vehicle is in excellent condition to be driven on the roads. You need to check the vehicle each time before you drive out to ensure it’s in good, working condition. It’s important to check the brakes pads, the lights, the tyres, the gearbox and the windshield wipers before you even leave your carpark.
