Are You a Safe Driver? 10 Habits That Actually Make a Difference

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Behind the wheel, your everyday habits make the most influential difference when it comes to your safety. Driving can be smooth, calm and predictable, but impatience and frustration often get in the way. From road rage to peer pressure for young drivers, there are so many things that influence an overall driving style. But if you’re eager to start driving more safely, you’ll need to start fine-tuning your overall technique.

Safe driving starts with consistency in the following areas:

  1. Safe following distance

Always try to follow the ‘tyres and tarmac’ rule when you’re queueing or approaching slow-moving traffic. On a motorway, keep two chevrons between you and the vehicle in front.

  • Anticipating hazards in advance

Braking last-minute is not only hard on your car but also makes the roads more dangerous for everyone. Always check the horizon and try to drive with prevention in mind, not reaction.

  • Gradual braking and steady acceleration

If you brake harshly and accelerate heavily, you’ll not only be putting more strain on your car but also putting other road users at risk. You can improve your safety and the longevity of your car with gentle driving.

  • Full focus

Every driver should try to minimise distractions behind the wheel. Nearly two-thirds of drivers make mistakes due to distractions either inside or outside the car, so remember to keep your eyes on the roads. If your passengers are distracting you, don’t be afraid to let them know.

  • Adaptive speed

Don’t just blindly stick to (or aim for) the maximum speed limit. It’s only there as a guide, and you should always try to base your speed around the conditions of the road, traffic and weather on the day. If it’s raining heavily, drive cautiously!

  • Proper maintenance

Driving a neglected car could be an accident waiting to happen. Along with servicing your car regularly, you should arrange repairs on any issues flagged on its annual MOT test.

  • Checking blind spots

Many accidents happen in unfortunate circumstances where drivers failed to check over their shoulders. This vital manoeuvre takes only seconds but could make the difference between a safe arrival and a serious accident.

  • Patience

Staying calm allows you to concentrate and make rational decisions behind the wheel. This is imperative for any drive, but especially those at rush hour and through built-up areas. If you struggle with impulsive behaviour, using a telematics insurance could help you to drive sensibly.

  • Knowing your limits

If you’re too tired or upset to drive, you should be able to recognise this and take some forced time away from the wheel. According to the road safety charity Brake, up to one-fifth of all crashes are estimated to be caused by driver fatigue. Take breaks and drink the coffee!


10. Embracing in-car technology

Finally, make sure you use any helpful gadgets to stay safer on the roads. These include sat-navs, handsfree devices and info-entertainment systems to keep aware of the latest traffic and road conditions updates.

Driving safely is a daily choice. From changing gear to simply knowing when to stop, the smaller steps always contribute to the bigger picture.

If you enjoyed reading Are You a Safe Driver? 10 Habits That Actually Make a Difference, then why not read Your Body Is A Templespa here.

.cent Magazine London. Luxury Mindset

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