How Can I Be a Better Driver?

Being a good driver will save you money on sky-high insurance by preventing you from getting involved in accidents. It will also save you money on traffic tickets, which can become exorbitant when you rack up fines and penalties. Business Insider explains what you can do to improve your driving skills when operating a vehicle.

Situational awareness is an essential skill for any driver to have. If you lack situational awareness, you’re more likely to be taken by surprise by another vehicle’s maneuver or poor road conditions. Along with seeing the traffic in front of you, you should also be aware of traffic beside your vehicle and behind you when driving. Good situational awareness will help you improve your reaction times when faced with an unexpected occurrence on the road.

Driving distractions can also be a detriment to your driving ability. This is especially true when it comes to texting while driving, which is a leading cause of accidents for drivers young and old. When driving, keep your phone on silent and well out of reach. Also, be aware that there are many other types of distracted driving behaviors that can be dangerous. Carrying on a conversation, eating while driving, and even adjusting the radio are considered distractions.

You should also revisit basic driving skills from time to time. It can be easy to fall into lazy driving habits, especially if you’ve been behind the wheel for many years. Practicing your driving skills on occasion, or even just being hyper-aware of them, can be a good learning experience for many people. Some essential skills to master include braking, turning, and accelerating in a smooth and even manner.