How to become a better driver

There are over 6 million car accidents a year in any given year. That is a pretty large number and can be very scary if you don’t know what you’re doing out there on the road.  Being a driver is much more than simply controlling the steering wheel and accelerating and braking the car when necessary.  There is all type of road-rage and rude and incompetent drivers to be aware of.

The first step in becoming a better driver is to constantly be aware of your surroundings while in the car. Not everyone, as a matter of fact most people don’t use turning signals so anticipation is a huge part of driving. You of course are not a mind reader (or maybe you are) so you won’t be able to detect what another person is going to do next. However, it is important that you keep a safe distance between you other surrounding cars. So that if someone does to decide to haphazardly switch lanes you will be prepared.

Another thing that is important in becoming a better driving to be defensive and aggressive. There is a different between aggressive and rude.  Driving defensively and aggressively includes being courteous. For example, if you see someone is tailgating you or following too closely behind you, move over to another lane (if possible) so they are able to pass you. This is something simple and considerate you can do to avoid a potentially dangerous or deadly accident.  Being aggressive, means don’t let another driver bully you. For example if you don’t feel comfortable driving in the fast lane, don’t move over just to make another guy happy.  In addition, go the speed that you feel comfortable with, as long as it’s within the speed limits. There are some drivers that like to drive fast, while some like to drive slow; drive where you are comfortable. However, this does have some restrictions; if you are going drastically over the speed limit you are not only putting yourself at risk, but also other drivers. While at the same time if you are going dramatically under the speed limit you will probably either cause a traffic jam, cause others to rear end or worse.

This also goes along with not fighting other drivers. If you are behind a slow car and there’s no way around the car just slow down. Don’t try to make the driver go faster by tailing that will only frustrate you and make for a dangerous situation.

One of the most important things you can do to become a better driver is to wear your seatbelt. If you are involved in some type of accident or collision a seatbelt will save your life.  They are only there to protect you and you should use them accordingly.

If you still feel uncomfortable with driving and want to have some hands on experience with becoming a driver, there are several different classes that are offered nationwide. Drivers-Ed is the most popular of these courses and offers hands-on real life experience with a trained professional on how to become a better driver.