What are your thoughts on the skills and capabilities that make a safe driver? Driving a vehicle can be a huge accomplishment. Although this may not happen for everyone, it is important to practice your skills and become a better driver when you have a vehicle.
Even the most experienced drivers make mistakes. However, that doesn’t mean you have to be reckless when driving. Although getting your license is an important step in becoming a driver, it is not the end of the journey. Even when you believed you learned how to drive safely on your own, it is still important to continue learning.
What makes a safe driver? Let’s find the answers.
Take a look at some skills and abilities required to be a safe driver below.
1. You will have a better sense of navigation
Navigation is a key skill for safe driving. Although GPS and modern electronics have become indispensable tools for every driver, you must remember that technology can malfunction or break down.
Therefore, you will need to be able to interpret maps and to know the rules and regulations of driving on roads.
2. Be reliable and responsible
You must be responsible and reliable for your safety and that of all others. Many situations can arise while driving, so you need to react accordingly.
Road safety must be your priority to avoid any accidents or other mishaps. Safety drivers are responsible and reliable, which will keep your community and you safe.
3. Do not speed up, it won’t save you time
Driving helps you get to your destination. Although speeding might seem like it will save you time and make it easier to get to point B quicker, the truth is that it won’t. It is crucial to be a safe driver by understanding that speeding, especially in the city, can prove dangerous.
Driving instructors would have encouraged you to follow the speed limit while learning to drive. Your instructor would have told you to adhere to the speed limit or you might fail your driving test. These rules are not meant to make it difficult for you to pass the driving test, but to ensure you drive safely from the beginning.
Speeding is a dangerous habit that can pose a danger to yourself and others, so it’s best not to exceed the speed limits on roads. Alternative routes can be used if you are trying to reach your destination quickly, instead of speeding up or driving recklessly, which is not an indicator of a safe driver. Road-hogging is considered an offense according to the Land Transport Authority. You should drive at a speed that is comfortable for you, even on dual carriageways.
4. Be aware of which side the fuel cap is located
Ever arrive at a petrol station only to realize that the fuel cap is located on the other side? Then, you rush to adjust your vehicle so the pump will reach your tank? If you answered yes, then you aren’t alone. It happens to even the best drivers, especially if they regularly drive multiple cars with different fuel caps.
You can check which side your fuel cap is on by simply looking at the dashboard. First, check your fuel gauge. There will be a little arrow beside the fuel pump icon. This arrow will point either left or right. Whatever side the arrow points, it indicates which fuel cap is in use. For vintage or continental cars, however, this might not always be true. Before you go to the kiosk, be sure to inspect your side-view mirrors.
This information is not only smart but also safe. Don’t hold up other motorists at the petrol station. You can fill up your tank easily and let others fill up their tanks.
5. Keep alert
Being alert and ready for any situation is another important quality that makes a safe and competent driver. Sudden, unwelcome situations could occur, which can put your driving skills to the test. Perhaps you didn’t see the red light in time or the car in front suddenly swerves. How do you avoid an unfortunate accident? Anti-lock brakes can help with this. However, anti-lock brakes will likely be standard on newer cars. If it isn’t installed or if you drive an older car, in that case, you should be alert and press your brakes.
Although emergencies don’t always come up, it’s important to be prepared.
