Want to Be a Great Driver?

So you’ve completed driver’s training, passed the written exam with flying colors, and think you know all you need to be a responsible driver. But you’re forgetting just one thing: once you’re out on the road, you’re no longer completely in control. Weather conditions, aggressive or careless drivers and other distractions all come into play when you get behind the wheel. Being a good driver goes way beyond how well you know the laws and signals. It means being focused and alert. The following are some skills that aim to keep you, your passengers and others on the road, safe.

Keep focused. Once you’re behind the wheel, your only focus should be driving. Using a cell phone, eating or having friends in the car are all distractions that make you less able to predict problems and react to them.

Stay alert. Being under the influence of drugs and alcohol impair your ability
to react quickly to potential problems on the road and should never be used before
getting behind the wheel. But even certain medications or sleepiness can be potentially dangerous. If you’re feeling ill or sleepy, it’s better to ask someone else to drive.

Drive defensively. You can never rely on what the other driver might suddenly
do. Part of being a good driver is attempting to predict another driver’s next move. For example, you see someone pull out in front of the car ahead of you and the driver is talking on his or her cell phone. At this point, it might be a good choice to change
lanes and slow down to keep your distance from this driver.

Driving gives teens an awesome sense of freedom, and with that comes a responsibility to drive well. Being a good driver takes practice but when you strive to work on these skills they will eventually become habits and feel natural. Have fun being safe!