Driving is a skill that can take years to master. But with practice, you can improve and become a safer driver.
There are a number of essential driving skills that can help you stay safe on the road. These include observation, planning, communication and coordination.
Observation
Skilled observation is a skill that can save you from many potentially dangerous situations. You need to be aware of traffic systems and hazards, including other road users (including vulnerable road users such as pedestrians or cyclists), and take note of their actions and movements.
Observation is particularly important at junctions, where the majority of car accidents occur. Improper observations at junctions have been the most common reason for learners failing their driving test for the last 10 years, so learning how to observe correctly can help prevent this.
One way to improve your observational skills is by learning to recognise the different types of junctions. These can include T-junctions, roundabouts, crossroads and box junctions, each with their own unique rules for observing other road users.
It is also important to be aware of road conditions and to check that your vehicle is safe and in good working order before moving off from a junction or driveway. It can be easy to move off when it isn’t safe, especially if you are in heavy traffic or there are other road users nearby. It is therefore important to look at your mirrors, blind spots and signals before you move off from a driveway or junction.
Planning
Planning is a big part of driving and is one of the most important skills you need to master as a confident and competent driver. Being able to plan ahead makes your journey safer by increasing your chances of avoiding an accident and lessening your impact on the environment.
Keeping a close eye on the road and your surroundings is essential but being able to anticipate and prepare for hazards before they happen is crucial for safe driving. Whether it’s a car coming up from the side or an unseen pedestrian crossing, anticipating what is around the next corner will save you time and money.
A great way to practice this is to read and research the local traffic conditions before you set out. For example, if you’re travelling in bad weather, consider driving at lower speeds and making more frequent stops to avoid the risk of an accident.
Using the most effective lighting and other visual aids can help you to be more aware of your surroundings. It’s also worth thinking about what you might have done instead of driving, such as walking, cycling or taking public transport. The right planning can reduce your carbon footprint and improve your safety and happiness.
Communication
Communication is a two-way process where information is conveyed to and from another person. This involves verbal and non-verbal communication channels like face to face, phone, email etc.
The ability to communicate is one of the most important driving skills for both new and experienced drivers. It can prevent a driver from making mistakes and can help them to avoid collisions.
Good communication can also make your job as a truck driver more enjoyable. It can help you to feel valued and respected by your employer, which will lead to higher productivity and retention.
You should always be honest and straightforward in communicating with other people on the road, especially when it comes to what your intentions are. For example, if you are going to turn on your headlights while driving at night, be sure to let other drivers know that it is happening.
This will ensure that they don’t make a mistake and could cause an accident, which is dangerous for you and everyone else on the road. In addition, letting other drivers know what your intentions are can also help to keep the flow of traffic moving smoothly.
Coordination
Coordination is the ability to move your body in a way that is efficient, careful and purposeful. It is essential for a wide range of activities, such as running, swimming, riding a bike and even kicking a ball.
The ability to coordinate involves a number of different brain areas, including the cerebellum. It also requires fine motor skills, such as those found in typing on a keyboard.
When it comes to driving, coordination is important for obeying traffic laws and navigating safely to your destination. It is also a skill that you may need to show off during a job interview or cover letter.
A person can develop coordination through a combination of factors, such as learning to drive. They can also develop coordination through persistent practice and cognitive stimulation.
However, people with certain conditions, such as dyslexia or Down syndrome, have a harder time developing coordination skills and can often have trouble passing their driving tests. This is referred to as Developmental Coordination Disorder, or DCD.
In order to overcome this, researchers have developed a number of techniques that can help drivers with DCD improve their driving skills. These techniques include visual information, training and the use of a driving simulator.
Speed
Speeding is a major contributor to traffic crashes and can result in death or serious injury. This is especially true when drivers are speeding during poor weather, in heavy traffic or in areas with lots of pedestrians.
Driving skills that help you control your speed include being alert, choosing a speed that suits the road and weather conditions, and being aware of other drivers on the road. Your speed also influences the amount of time it takes to react to hazards on the road, which is important because drivers need plenty of time to respond.
When you are driving, keep a good space cushion ahead of you, to the left and right, so that you have room to stop if necessary. This is called “space buffering.”
Be particularly careful when you are in curves, as it is easier to miss information about fixed objects and other vehicles on the road if you are not fully alert. Slow down before entering a curve and use the speed shown below the curve sign as a guide, if available.
It is also a good idea to choose a speed that fits your current emotional and mental state. If you are feeling fatigued, stressed, sleepy or confused, choose a slower speed to prevent an accident.
Distractions
A driver’s ability to stay focused on driving and control the vehicle is a vital skill for safety. Almost any activity that takes a driver’s attention away from driving can be distracting and lead to crashes.
Visual distractions are the most common form of driver distraction and can include checking your phone, looking at a GPS navigation system or looking at billboard advertisements. These activities are extremely dangerous and take your eyes off the road for a short period of time.
Manual distractions are also a big problem and can be categorized into eating and drinking, fiddling with your radio, changing the car’s temperature, or reaching for a purse or personal belonging inside the car. These all take a driver’s hands off of the wheel and reduce their reaction times.
Cognitive distractions are also a huge concern and can come in the form of talking or texting on a cell phone, shouting at other drivers, daydreaming, or taking in an audiobook or music. These all distract a driver from the task of driving and can result in collisions or near-collisions that require the other driver to take corrective action.
Physical moving objects are another significant distraction and represent about 2% of all distracted driving accidents. These can include pets, clutter or items that move in the vehicle (such as a bee flying through the open window) and can make a driver lose control of their car.
Safety
There are several driving skills that can help you stay safe on the road. These include following traffic laws, monitoring your surroundings, and being alert to potential dangers.
Drivers can improve their safety by practicing these skills in the vehicle they drive. Many vehicles today have safety features like anti-lock brakes and traction control systems that help keep drivers on the road and their passengers safe.
In addition to these devices, drivers can also improve their safety by maintaining a safe following distance and always having an escape route. They can do this by keeping their speed below posted limits and having an alternative way to move their vehicle if their path is blocked.
This skill also helps drivers avoid accidents caused by aggressive driving. Aggressive drivers hit the gas pedal too hard, switch lanes without warning or follow other cars too closely.
This skill is also important for drivers who operate on long stretches of highway or during non-peak times. They should signal before changing lanes or turning and make sure they don’t ignore other drivers’ signals or lights.