When you’ve been driving for a long time, and even sometimes when you’ve only just learnt how to do so, it can become second nature. It’s not uncommon to tune out, listen to some music and find that, before you know it, you’ve arrived at your destination.
While it’s great to barely have to think about what you're doing, you don’t want to end up falling into bad habits. Staying safe on the roads is all about developing good habits – so why not use these tips to help you switch any negative habits with positive ones.
The Basics
Bad Habit: holding the steering wheel incorrectly.
Everyone likes to be as comfortable as possible when they get behind the wheel, although sometimes this comfort comes at the expense of safety. While it may feel like you’re more in control with your hands on the inside, always try to keep your thumbs on the outside of the steering wheel. If something unexpected happens causing the wheel to jolt or spin, you could seriously damage your hands. Imagining the steering wheel is a clock, and keep your hands at ten and two for the grip that is the safest and gives you the most control.
Good Habit: adjusting your settings to perfection.
Before every trip, do a quick walk around to check there is nothing amiss - the tyres are inflated and have enough tread, the lights are all working and your mirrors are intact. Once inside the car, ensure your seat is in the ideal position and that your mirrors are adjusted so you have the greatest field of view possible.
While it’s great to barely have to think about what you're doing, you don’t want to end up falling into bad habits. Staying safe on the roads is all about developing good habits – so why not use these tips to help you switch any negative habits with positive ones.
The Basics
Bad Habit: holding the steering wheel incorrectly.
Everyone likes to be as comfortable as possible when they get behind the wheel, although sometimes this comfort comes at the expense of safety. While it may feel like you’re more in control with your hands on the inside, always try to keep your thumbs on the outside of the steering wheel. If something unexpected happens causing the wheel to jolt or spin, you could seriously damage your hands. Imagining the steering wheel is a clock, and keep your hands at ten and two for the grip that is the safest and gives you the most control.
Good Habit: adjusting your settings to perfection.
Before every trip, do a quick walk around to check there is nothing amiss - the tyres are inflated and have enough tread, the lights are all working and your mirrors are intact. Once inside the car, ensure your seat is in the ideal position and that your mirrors are adjusted so you have the greatest field of view possible.
Wet Weather
Bad Habit: going too fast in inclement weather.
While you may know the road to work (or home) like the back of your hand, different environmental factors such as rain, can change the conditions drastically. You may feel it’s safe to travel at the regular speed limit, however with the road being slippery coupled with diminished visibility from the rain, you will be in much better stead to ease off on the accelerator by five or ten kilometres to make up for the change in conditions.
Good Habit: increasing your visibility.
Even if you are driving in the rain in the middle of the day, it is advisable to have your headlights on so that oncoming traffic can see you from as far away as possible, particularly if the rain gets heavier, reducing visibility.
Bad Habit: going too fast in inclement weather.
While you may know the road to work (or home) like the back of your hand, different environmental factors such as rain, can change the conditions drastically. You may feel it’s safe to travel at the regular speed limit, however with the road being slippery coupled with diminished visibility from the rain, you will be in much better stead to ease off on the accelerator by five or ten kilometres to make up for the change in conditions.
Good Habit: increasing your visibility.
Even if you are driving in the rain in the middle of the day, it is advisable to have your headlights on so that oncoming traffic can see you from as far away as possible, particularly if the rain gets heavier, reducing visibility.
RSS Feed