How to be an excellent driver?

Question

What are the important things to remember when driving?

Answer 1

First, remember that driving is a privilege and not a right.

I have found an article that I will share. It has great points about becoming a better driver.

Good drivers are both common and uncommon. It is possible you might encounter rash teenagers to truck drivers to overly-cautious senior citizens-- yet all contribute to how we can learn to be better drivers.

1. When noticing a vehicle zooming by beyond the full stretch of the speed limit, allow them to pass. This is no 1950's drag race. Proving your need for speed leads to dangerous circumstances between your car and other cars.
2. Never switch lanes when in the middle of an intersection. Also, time your entry into an intersection so that you don't get caught blocking it once the light turns red (i.e. "don't block the box")
3. NEVER try to "beat the light." If the light turns yellow and you have enough space to stop safely, then stop. Cyclists, pedestrians, and even other drivers expect you to be completely stopped by the time the light turns red. You endanger yourself and others by running yellow lights--only to save a minute or two--it simply isn't worth it.
4. It is courteous to allow a vehicle to turn into traffic if the driver is waiting for a break. Do not, however, suddenly slam the brakes in moving traffic in order to let a driver enter. This will most likely lead to a fender bender or worse--a collision from the unsuspecting driver behind you. This occurred at least once, killing the driver who drove behind the car that had suddenly braked in constantly moving traffic. Drivers in moving traffic never expect a sudden brake. Be extremely careful.
5. Maintaining a decently comfortable distance between you and the driver ahead of you is an excellent rule of thumb. You should keep around 2 seconds distance between you and the person in front of you. You can use the signs or the paint dashes to judge this distance. Perhaps if the vehicle in front suddenly stalls or stops, you as a driver have enough room to stop safely, or turn into the next lane without causing a backup in traffic. Other weather-related conditions, such as snow and rain, also make it wise to prevent collisions by keeping a safe distance behind for slippery, sliding and swerving cars.
6. Residential areas are common grounds for spontaneous children to run into the streets without looking for oncoming cars. Their minds focus on retrieving their ball in the street or catching up to friends by suddenly crossing roads on bikes, for instance. When driving through residential streets, be wary of unpredictable objects and people in the streets.
7. Trucks often give their drivers difficulty stopping, turning, or backing up--we as drivers have all witnessed this. When passing a semi-truck, keep in mind that the truck driver has more difficulty braking. It is best to to wait until you can see the truck in your rear-view mirror before completing a pass. Also avoid remaining beside a truck when in multi-lane traffic--if you cannot see the truck driver through his/her mirror, then he/she cannot see you.
8. Senior citizens need to drive just like you and me. This is especially the case when they have no other means to obtain essentials. Most senior citizens, however, tend to prefer driving during early afternoons when there is less traffic and more daylight. When driving behind a senior citizen, always keep a safe distance and watch for unexpected moves, such as lane changes. Some seniors may change lanes without prior signaling.
9. The majority of drivers just aim to get to their destination, just like you and me. Accidents happen, but you can take a few steps to prevent many of them from occurring, either to yourself or others. By understanding the way various drivers react, you will have a better grasp of how to be a better driver. The best drivers learn to anticipate possible changes in traffic, and prepare for them in advance by adjusting their speed, their lane/direction, or where their attention is directed.

There are additional tips listed in the link.

Good luck.

Answer 2

If I were to try to answer this with one statement, it would be this:

Driving should be a full-time activity for the driver. NOTHING is more important for the driver than the safe operation of the vehicle. Not crying children. Not lunch. Not listening to the radio. Not ANY possible cell phone conversation. Not even a conversation with a passenger.

An acrobat walking a tightrope would not let anything distract them from the task at hand. Driving a car is much more dangerous to the driver and to everyone else in the immediate area.

Answer 3

Be alert,know your car,don't drink and drive. Pay attention and don't be distracted while driving.Speeding does not get you there any quicker. Know the rules of the road.Don't assume anything about what another driver around you might do. Be defensive.

Answer 4

Good answers so far, and, I would add, drive the speed limit and use your common sense. So many people drive too fast, don't be like them, Obey the speed limit and always be respectful of police officers, if a situation occurs with them, like road work direction and so on. Take care and buckle up!

Answer 5

stay alert, obey the traffic laws, do not let other things or people distract you.

Know where you are with regards to surrounding traffic, and try to leave yourself an out just in case you need to make an emergency move.

Follow those rules and you should be OK.

Answer 6

Assume every other driver on the road is an idiot who wants to crash into you and make it your fault so they can sue you. It works for me, no accidents or tickets in twenty years. By the way, the assumption happens to be true, more or less.

Answer 7

Join the Institute of Advanced Motorists and take their course leading to the advanced driving test. All information on their website

Answer 8

Todd 212 pretty much covered everything.... Good comments by all... but I have one more.

Don't ever "fight" with something bigger than you.... ie: Truck, Train, SUV, whatever!!! Remember, you may be right, but by taking the right of way, you could end up "dead" right. Keep alert.

Happy Motoring... :-}

Answer 9

practice makes 'perfect'...be a defensive driver always..keep your cool and wear your seatbelt always..don't drink and drive...

happy driving! ;)

Answer 10

that your not the only person out there