1. Check Your Car Regularly
Regularly checking your car is important for extending its lifespan, guaranteeing safety on the road, and preventing costly repairs down the line. By doing so, you’ll be able to identify potential issues before they become major problems, saving you time and money in the long run.
Start by checking your car’s fluid levels, including engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and power steering fluid. Low levels can lead to engine damage.
Also, inspect your tyre condition, including pressure and tread depth. Properly inflated and well-maintained tyres improve fuel efficiency and safety. Don’t forget to check your brakes and brake pads are in good condition. Worn brakes can lead to accidents so check them regularly.
Check all lights, including headlights, brake lights, and indicators. Use the acronym FORCES (Fuel, Oil, Rubber, Coolant, Electrics, Screenwash) to remember essential checks, and keep a maintenance log to track when each check was last performed.
2. Learn Your Vehicle
Knowing your vehicle inside and out is key to driving better and being a safe driver. You’ll want to start by familiarising yourself with the owner’s manual, which contains information about your car’s maintenance schedule, recommended fluids, and troubleshooting tips. Keep it in the glove compartment for easy reference. This will help you with diagnosing dashboard warning lights.
Be able to find your vehicle’s specifications, including the engine type, tyre size, and other important details. This will help you perform accurate maintenance and repairs. You can find this information in the owner’s manual or on the car manufacturer’s website.
3. Drive According to the Conditions
As a driver, you’ll face various weather conditions, road types, and traffic scenarios that require you to adapt your driving style. Weather conditions like rain, snow, and fog call for extra caution. Slow down, and increase your following distance to guarantee a safe distance from other vehicles.
In these conditions, you must also turn on your headlights to improve the visibility of the road ahead. Then, maintain a safe speed to leave enough time for necessary adjustments or obstacles.
On different road types, you’ll need to adjust your speed limit and driving style to avoid damage. On gravel, mud, or uneven surfaces, slow down, and steer carefully to avoid losing traction or causing damage to your vehicle.
4. Understand the Rules of the Road
You’ll need to have a good understanding of traffic laws and regulations to drive safely and avoid fines. This means paying attention and understanding speed limits, road signs, and right-of-way rules. Familiarise yourself with road signs, including those for construction zones and school areas. Understanding who’s the right-of-way in various driving scenarios can help prevent accidents.
5. Be Patient
When you’re patient, you’re more likely to watch and anticipate the actions of other drivers and maintain a calm demeanour. This is key to defensive driving. With this method, you’ll be less likely to get frustrated or angry, reducing the risk of road rage incidents.
Plan your trips to allow extra time for delays, and avoid rushing to your destination. If you’re feeling stressed or tired, it’s best to avoid driving altogether. Instead, take a break or reschedule your trip for when you’re feeling more relaxed.
You can also use techniques like deep breathing to help manage stress and stay patient while driving. Listening to calming music or audiobooks can also help you stay relaxed.
6. Plan Your Route
Planning your route in advance is important for a stress-free and efficient drive. It can save you time and reduce stress by helping you avoid traffic congestion, road closures, and unfamiliar areas.
It’s best to also plan for regular breaks during long trips to avoid fatigue. Make sure to share your route with someone, especially on long trips, so they know where you’re headed.
Before you start your journey, check traffic reports to get an idea of the road conditions. You can use GPS devices or mobile phone apps for real-time traffic updates and route planning. Just make sure you can safely use the device from your driver's seat.
It’s also a good idea to identify alternate routes in case of unexpected delays. This way, you can quickly switch to a different route and avoid getting stuck in traffic.
7. Speed Management
When driving, you must always adhere to posted speed limits. These limits are in place as road rules for a reason, and exceeding them can have serious consequences.
You should also be prepared to adjust your speed according to road conditions and traffic. For example, if the road is wet or icy, you should slow down to reduce the risk of skidding or losing control.
Use cruise control on highways to maintain a constant speed. This can help you avoid rapid acceleration and hard braking, which can reduce fuel consumption. Be mindful of speed limits in residential and school zones, which often have lower speed limits to protect pedestrians and children.
Driving School Watsonia
