Courtney, a seasoned race car driver who transitioned into a professional driving instructor, has dedicated over a decade to grooming responsible drivers from various age groups. Her enthusiasm for safe driving is contagious and her ultimate goal is to significantly lower the rate of road mishaps.
Hey there! As a former race car driver turned driving instructor, I've had the privilege of teaching safe driving techniques to students of all ages for over 10 years. During my time on the track and in the classroom, I've come across some underrated car driving tips that are actually very important for every driver to know. So, buckle up and let's dive in!
1. Adjust your mirrors properly: Many drivers underestimate the importance of properly adjusting their mirrors. To eliminate blind spots, make sure your side mirrors are angled outwards just enough to see the edge of your own car. This will give you a wider field of view and reduce the chances of missing any vehicles in your blind spots. For a more detailed guide on how to adjust your mirrors for optimal blind spot coverage, you can check out this article.
2. Use your turn signals: It may seem obvious, but using your turn signals is crucial for safe driving. Signaling your intentions not only alerts other drivers of your next move, but it also helps prevent accidents and promotes smoother traffic flow. So, don't forget to use those blinkers!
3. Maintain a safe following distance: Keeping a safe distance between your car and the vehicle in front of you is essential for avoiding rear-end collisions. The general rule of thumb is to maintain at least a three-second gap. To calculate this, pick a stationary object on the side of the road and start counting when the car in front of you passes it. If you reach that object before you finish counting to three, you're following too closely.
4. Check your blind spots: Blind spots are areas around your vehicle that are not visible in your mirrors. To avoid surprises, always remember to physically turn your head and check your blind spots before changing lanes or making a turn. Blind spot monitors are helpful, but they shouldn't replace the good old-fashioned head turn. You can learn more about the benefits of blind spot monitors and rear cross traffic alerts in this article.
5. Avoid distractions: In today's digital age, distractions in the car are more prevalent than ever. Texting, talking on the phone, eating, or even adjusting the radio can take your attention away from the road. To drive safely, it's important to minimize distractions and focus solely on the task at hand – driving. For more tips on avoiding common driving mistakes and promoting safer driving, you can read this article.
6. Be aware of your surroundings: Paying attention to your surroundings is crucial for anticipating potential hazards. Keep an eye on other drivers, pedestrians, and road conditions. By staying alert and aware, you'll be better prepared to react to any unexpected situations that may arise.
7. Practice defensive driving: Defensive driving is all about being proactive and anticipating the actions of other drivers. It involves staying alert, obeying traffic laws, and being prepared for the unexpected. By practicing defensive driving, you can reduce the risk of accidents and keep yourself and others safe on the road. You can further enhance your safety by understanding the importance of driver attention monitoring, as explained in this article.
Remember, becoming a better driver is a continuous process. By implementing these underrated driving tips into your daily routine, you'll be well on your way to becoming a safer and more confident driver. To further understand the evolution of car safety technology and how it can help you become a better driver, you can refer to this article.
If you have any more questions or need further expert advice, feel free to reach out. Safe travels!
Emily Johnson
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