7 Habits to Learning to Drive Safely

Woman writing on a notepad while observing online lessons.

Driving, when done correctly and responsibly, can be both enjoyable and convenient. The privilege of driving, however, carries much responsibility. Driving can be hazardous and destructive and even deadly if not approached with caution and safety must always take top priority when driving.

Road traffic injuries cause significant economic losses to individuals, families, and nations. These losses come from the cost of treatment, lost productivity for those killed or disabled, and time off work or school for family members caring for the injured.

According to the World Health Organization, around 1.3 million people die in road accidents every year, and about 50 million are injured. Adhering to road rules and staying alert can reduce your chances of getting into an accident. Even experienced drivers face unexpected situations, so it’s best to be as cautious as possible.

Ensure the Safety of Your Passengers

Every time you get in the car, the safety of your passengers is in your hands. Ensure everyone buckles up, so you can focus on driving with peace of mind. Passengers should also avoid distracting the driver. For babies and young children, use appropriate child safety seats as required by law. Always maintain control of your vehicle by knowing its capabilities and limitations and staying within the speed limit, even if traffic around you is flowing smoothly.

Be Alert to Your Surroundings

To become a better driver, don’t just focus on the car in front of you. Be conscious of the environment you are driving in. In particular, be on the lookout for potential hazards. Use your mirrors regularly to keep an eye on potentially dangerous situations behind you. When changing lanes, always use your signals and make your intentions clear, including using your hands. Assume other drivers may make risky moves. By anticipating problems on the road before they happen, you can avoid accidents even when other drivers are reckless. Safe driving requires continuous practice and awareness of the habits of other drivers.

Always Assume the Worst

A defensive driving course is essential for enhancing your driving skills and promoting road safety. This comprehensive program teaches participants to anticipate and avoid potential hazards. For instance, if you see a truck with unsecured construction materials, recognize the risk and distance yourself from the truck. If it seems dangerous, pull over at the next exit and report the hazard to the police. Defensive driving involves assuming other road users will make the worst decisions possible and preparing accordingly. Taking a defensive driving course may be a good option if you want to improve your safety on the road as well as of other road users.

The certified ImprovedDriving course covers a broad range of topics that instill safe driving practices. In the defensive driving class, you learn more about defensive driving strategies including how to scan the road for potential hazards, maintaining a safe following distance, and anticipating other driver’s actions. In addition, you receive instruction on how to safely navigate through dense traffic, cope with adverse weather conditions, and use diverse vehicle safety features and applications.

The online ImprovedDriving defensive course is centered on the assumption that other drivers are bound to make less than optimal decisions, something you cannot control. It equips with the skills to anticipate that and act accordingly. This includes careful overtaking and giving other road users a wide berth.

Avoid Distractions

Stay sharp by keeping your eyes on the road and eliminating distractions. Don’t use the phone as you drive or other electronic devices. Life throws many distractions, but driving requires full concentration.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, distracted driving, mainly from cell phone use, causes accidents and claimed 3,308 lives in 2022. Put your phone on silent or use hands-free devices if necessary.

Your spouse, children in the back can also distract you when driving. Remember, you are piloting a machine made of metal that can be potentially fatal at high speeds in a brief moment of concentration lapse.

Avoid Drowsy Driving

Driving while tired or drowsy can be as dangerous as driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The biggest danger with drowsy driving is that a driver might not even realize he or she is doing it. Sleepiness can creep up on you as you drive late at night or after a very busy day due to fatigue. Fatigued driving impairs your ability to drive safely by slowing your reaction time, attention and your ability to make quick decisions on the road.

But that can be avoided by taking suitable rest or breaks when on long trips. If you feel sleepy, pull over to a safe location and rest or switch drivers. Caffeine and loud music might help temporarily but are not substitutes for proper sleep. Recognize signs of drowsiness, such as yawning, lane drifting, or difficulty focusing, and take a break immediately if needed.

Never Drive Drunk

It is illegal and highly dangerous to drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. It impairs judgment, coordination, and reaction time, potentially leading to serious accidents or fatalities. Alcohol’s The sedating effects of alcohol can impair your judgement, decision-making and coordination. When driving drunk, you may not react as fast as required in the event of an emergency or perform routine maneuvers. Always designate a sober driver or use public transportation if you plan to drink or take medications that affect your driving ability.

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Keep Improving Your Driving Skills

Safe driving extends beyond knowing traffic laws; it involves maintaining a well-functioning vehicle and continuously improving your driving skills. Advanced driving courses can enhance your abilities, making you more prepared for any situation on the road. Regular practice is crucial—drive often to refine your skills. Online driving classes emphasize regular vehicle maintenance, including tire checks, oil changes, brake inspections, and proper tire inflation. Learning defensive driving strategies is key to staying safe on the road.

A good [place to start is by taking ImprovedDriving driving course. Online defensive driving classes are designed for your convenience as you can take classes to suit your daily schedule. The course emphasizes on regular vehicle maintenance such as oil checks, tire checks, and brake inspections.