Driving is an art that demands awareness, responsibility, and finesse. Whether one’s a beginner or pro, there’s always room for improvement. Becoming a better driver is not only about avoiding accidents but also about creating a safer and more enjoyable driving experience for co-passengers and others on the road. From mastering driving strategies to understanding vehicle maintenance, one can follow certain tips to become a skilled, responsible, and courteous driver.

Correct driving position
To begin with, adjust the driver seat’s position in a vehicle. There is no harm in rechecking things, even in an old vehicle, especially if one has recently let someone else drive it. With a proper seating position, one can also have better control of the brake, speed pedals, and steering wheel. Comfortably reaching the top and sides of the steering wheel is equally important. Moreover, bending elbows slightly provides a better range of motion and the ability to react quickly if need be. Make sure the driver’s seat is giving comfortable support. Keep the back, thighs, and lumbar region rested and free to switch between the pedals. Slide the seat a little to the front if required.

Learn about mirror adjustments
Mitigating blind spots and adjusting the rearview and side mirrors are essential to being a good driver. Some cars come with blind spot monitoring technology. Use the feature and the mirrors to the benefit. Some might help eliminate most blind spots by correcting mirror adjustments. The rearview mirror should be able to take care of the rear window when seated in the driver’s seat. The side-view mirrors will provide a better view of the vehicles on the road behind. It will not let the side of the car block the view. This is especially a useful tip if one’s driving in a big city. Make sure the two allow for a slight overlap of the views. If a car is starting to move away from the rearview mirror and into the side mirror, know that it is trying to overtake the vehicle and make the decision accordingly. Adjust the speed and position to avoid any mishaps.

Maintain awareness
When driving, be aware of the roads and situations around. Constant observation and alertness will go a long way in making one a better driver. Keeping a mental note of the cars around can come in handy in an emergency situation. These things can assist one in making a safer split-second decision. When pressed to make a decision, one might not have enough time to look around and make a decision. Stay away from trucks where their tie-down strategy makes one question things. Notice a car around with wobbly tires? Or a truck with a tire that is worn out? In such situations, be prepared to have an exit strategy in mind if things go south.

Maintain enough distance
Following other cars closely on the road is a sure way of getting into the risk of ending up in an accident. Plus, if one’s driving too close, they are more likely to be considered at fault in the situation. The shorter distance robs of crucial time to brake, react, or stop. This might even compromise one’s visibility of the way ahead. Driving closer to the vehicle in front will not help one reach the destination early, so maintain the appropriate distance of several car lengths. This will also ensure that the drivers around can easily change lanes without getting into any trouble.

Be aware of lane changes
This is where one’s driving practice will come in handy. The better one’s experience, the better will be able to anticipate the signals the fellow drivers give. It might be easier for one to pick up on these clues making it easier to position the vehicle accordingly. This is also, at times, known as defensive driving. If one watches a car trying to switch in the lane, keep an eye out for any sudden lane changes or movements they might be planning on making. The side mirrors and that of other drivers will also give an idea of the driving judgment. Side mirrors are a great option to check the hand positions on the steering wheel. These factors are based on individual judgment, efficiency, and situations.

Learn the car
It is always best to familiarize oneself with the vehicle they are driving. Learning and understanding how it handles different terrains and climate conditions can help map out trips accordingly. In addition, knowing how the vehicle behaves close to its limits will help better deal with unfortunate mishaps. Find out when the car tires start to lose their grip or the body roll to expect. The car’s nimbleness can help one seamlessly navigate traffic and long-standing trips.

Stay updated on maintenance
A car has numerous critical components that make up its complete form. They include brakes, wheel bearings, suspension, tires, batteries, and more. All these parts and wares come with their maintenance requirements and periods. It is crucial that one keeps up with the recommended maintenance visits as suggested by the car company and the dealer. One can also locate the necessary information in the car’s user manual. Some car manufacturers also have references for severe car usage. If one notices some parts need more frequent checks and corrections, please refer to this schedule and speak to the mechanic about it.