Whether you’ve driven for decades or just recently passed your test, there’s always room to improve your driving skills. According to a .gov survey, there were over 165,222 crashes in 2022 that caused injury or death. [1]
Mastering your driving skills is crucial not just for your safety, but the safety of others on the road. Here are some top tips to master driving and stay safe on the road.
Stay Focused and Avoid Distractions
Did you know, data from the Department for Transport states over 12 thousand collisions in 2022 were caused by driver distraction or impairment? [2]
Even though in our busy lives, it’s tempting to multi-task, avoid using your phone, eating, or engaging in any activity that takes your attention away from driving. A text message or phone call will wait for a reply and isn’t worth risking your life and car for. Make it a habit to keep your eyes on the road, your hands on the wheel, and your mind focused on driving.
Understand Your Vehicle
Every vehicle handles differently and has various capabilities and limits. Spend time getting used to your car’s controls and features. If you know how to use the lights, wipers, and indicators without looking, you’ll be far more comfortable in unexpected situations.
Maintain Your Vehicle Regularly, With More Than an MOT
Regular maintenance is crucial for safe driving. Make sure your tyres, brakes, lights, and engine are in good working order. Regularly check your oil, coolant, and other fluid levels. Unsure on how to do this? Check out our guide on ‘How to Look After Your Car’ for some key tips.
An MOT is legally required for cars over three-years old every 12 months, but a service covers different features. A service follows specific guidelines regarding your car, set out by the manufacturer and is designed to keep your car in peak condition.
Adjust Your Driving to the Weather Conditions
Weather should affect the way you drive. The best drivers know that rain, snow, fog, and ice need different driving techniques. In bad weather you should reduce your speed, take corners slowly, leave a bigger gap between you and the car in front, and use your headlights to improve visibility. Most importantly, if the conditions are too dangerous, it’s better to wait until it’s safe to drive.
Improve Your Parking Skills
Parking can be a challenge for many drivers and car parks are a hot spot for collisions. Factors for increased accidents include tight spaces, lots of pedestrians and lack of visibility.
To tackle this, practice parallel parking, reverse parking, and parking in difficult spots. Use your mirrors to continuously look for other cars and pedestrians and take your time. If you feel you need to, you could even go to a non-busy car park to polish your skills. Over time, your confidence and manoeuvring will improve, making you a more versatile parker.
Don’t Give in to Road Rage
A whopping 70% of UK drivers admit to experiencing road rage [3]. Actions such as blocking the road, verbal threats and dangerous driving are all illegal in the UK. You could receive a fine and even points on your licence. In addition, road rage can lead to dangerous and even deadly situations for all involved.
Try to stay calm, even if other drivers aren’t. Avoid making eye contact or reacting to aggressive drivers. Your goal is to reach your destination safely, not to engage in conflicts. If you are nervous about these situations coming up, read our blog on ‘How to Deal with Road Rage’ here.
Consider Taking a Defensive Driving Course
Defensive driving courses offer valuable insights and techniques that a regular driving instructor probably won’t teach you. You can take these courses either in person at a driving school or online. They’re suitable for new drivers or experienced drivers looking to refresh their skills. They cover things like handling adverse weather conditions, recognising dangerous driving in others and how to react and proper use of brakes, steering, and acceleration.
Know the Rules of the Road
Traffic laws and regulations are in place to keep everyone safe. Make sure you are familiar with the rules of the road, including speed limits, right-of-way, and road signs. Make sure you’re up to date on driving laws and highway code rules by checking the Government website regularly.
At Vavista Insurance, we believe safe driving not only protects you but makes the roads safer for everyone! By following these tips, you can master the road and be a more confident driver.
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