Steps to be a good driver
There will always be someone who can zip through the traffic. You will see him make a sudden right turn in front of your car. You will find yourself slamming your brakes in the middle of the road. This is what ‘good driving’ looks like.An excellent driving instructor can combine expert knowledge with the ability to communicate that knowledge in a fun, meaningful manner.
Some driving tips that will make your roads safer and more user-friendly.
Place your rearview mirrors correctly
This is the most important tip for being a good driver, but it’s surprising how few people know the correct position of the rear-view reflectors. Adjusting the rear-view mirrors so that your car is not visible in them is a good idea. You will be able to see both directions for any car that is passing you, until the moment when it will pass you.
Automobile manufacturers around the globe have spent millions of dollars on technology to eliminate blind spots. These are the views that aren’t visible to the human eye when you drive or park your car. These include sensors, rearview cameras, and other devices that alert the driver of cars in the area. The solution to blind spots is still possible despite the advances in technology. It all comes down to the proper positioning of your rearview mirrors.
Pay more focus on traffic than road signs
A few experts believe that the driver becomes more complacent when there are too many signs and signals.
It is safer to follow the traffic and not muddle around with signboards. Driving too fast or too slow is not a sign of a great driver.
This structure was adopted by many cities all over the globe after this study. This led to a dramatic drop in fatalities at road intersections and T points.
We are not saying to ignore signs boards, but to listen to the signals of fellow drivers.
Imagine what happens at intersections where drivers keep driving even when the traffic signal is red. Then suddenly, one person stops at the red light and everyone follows his lead.
This is a common phenomenon on Indian roads. It’s a real example of how trusting fellow drivers can influence traffic flow.
Listen to the right music while on the move
According to a study done in Israel, drivers who listen to soothing music while driving are calmer. They were more attentive than drivers who listened to high-tempo music.
Music that fluctuates between 120-140 beats per hour can also increase the heart rate, making drivers more aggressive and more vulnerable to accidents.
Keep your headlights ON
All 2-wheelers in India must have ‘auto headlamps ON’ as per the Government of India. This is to improve safety and visibility for riders on the roads. The same should be done for cars. Make sure you turn on your daytime running lights (DRLs) if they are present in your vehicle. To be a safe driver, make sure your vehicle has daytime running lamps (DRLs).
Use emergency brakes/parking brakes often
Parking brakes are also known as emergency brakes for cars. They stop the vehicle using wires and cables. These brakes can be used in place of paddle brakes.
These wires and cables can corrode over time if you don’t use the parking brakes enough. Parking brakes should be used regularly, especially if you park on inclined surfaces.
Never apply brakes during a tire burst
The country is undergoing major infrastructure development. The risk of tire blowouts is increasing with the construction of newly paved expressways.
Imagine yourself cruising along an expressway at 80 mph speed when suddenly, a “mini landmine” like sound interrupts your pace. Your vehicle’s rear tire just suffered a blowout.
What will it be?
In most cases, the human response will be to this situation to apply brakes. However, if you break at high speeds immediately, it will cause a fishtail situation. You may end up in a fatal car accident as your car skids across the road.