Car Ownership Advice 26 October 2022

Are you a good driver?

While the vast majority of us are confident drivers, what exactly does it take to be considered a good driver?

There are many attributes that make a good driver, let’s look at a few things to keep in mind while you’re in the driver’s seat, to ensure that you’re being safe and courteous on the road.

What makes a good driver?

Good drivers are aware of their surroundings, they focus on what they’re doing and what is happening around them. They also know their vehicle by familiarising themselves with its functions, and they keep their car in good condition by having it regularly serviced and by staying on top of their fluid levels and tyre tread, as car maintenance can eliminate factors that could potentially cause incidents on the road.

Good drivers are courteous and considerate to other road users, they are also reactive and drive smoothly and safely. Here’s a few things you can do to be a more alert driver out on the road:

Be aware of your blind spots. It’s always good to be in the habit of turning your head to check your blind spots before changing lanes or merging. Nowadays, cars are equipped with modern technology, mirrors and sensors to help alert us when a collision could occur, but it can be easy to rely on these features instead of visibly checking if the coast is clear. The same goes for reversing - it’s always good to use your own eyes before reversing, alongside using the reversing camera.
Keep a safe distance. Keep a space of a few seconds between yourself and the car ahead, in case the car in front of you brakes suddenly, or something unexpected occurs on the road ahead of you.
Keep calm around erratic drivers. You can’t control “bad drivers”, but you can keep your distance and concentrate on your own safe driving. It’s important to always drive with empathy, as you can’t always see what other road users may be going through.

Why is being a good driver important

As we all need to share the road, it’s important to use it safely and with consideration. Use good judgement and stick to the road rules—which are there to protect road users and ensure that everyone is on the same page.

How do you know if you're a bad driver?

Good driving doesn’t necessarily have to do with experience, or the amount of safety features your car has. Being a bad driver can be as simple as not taking note of your surroundings, deliberately breaking the road rules, and being inconsiderate of others.

Here’s a few things that may put you in that camp:

Not using your indicators. Signalling your next move should be second nature when driving. you should never let your blinkers go unused when merging, parking, or turning a corner.
Road rage. If you find yourself getting frustrated with other drivers on the road, take a breath. Keep calm and focus on your on safe driving and destination, a good trick is to imagine that the other driver is your grandmother!
Distractions. Don’t be tempted by the ping of your mobile phone. Resist the urge to check your messages, alerts or calls until you pull over. It only takes a split second for things to change on the road.