People use cars for different purposes, even if the goal is simply to go from one place to the next. It can be a parent’s tool to bring their kids to school or an employee’s way to get to work. These people can have varying mindsets while driving, which can cause them to develop a careless attitude depending on subjective factors. A stressful workday or ongoing argument in the car can lead to critical mistakes while driving. Nevertheless, drivers shouldn’t lose their focus in ensuring their safety and others on the road.
Remembering your lessons in driving school
There’s more to driving than simply understanding the core principles of maneuvering your vehicle; it’s also a matter of conducting yourself accordingly while you’re behind the wheel. Part of learning to drive is being familiar with how your driving will affect other drivers. The way you handle your vehicle should be easily understandable to others to avoid any car-related accidents. It’s your responsibility to exercise safe driving methods that take care of you and others on the road.
To ensure that you’re ready to drive responsibly, here are three driving etiquettes you should keep in mind:
1. Know when to use your hazard lights
It’s important to know when to use your hazard lights in the right situations. Drivers generally use them to make them noticeable to approaching vehicles during harsh weather like heavy rain or snowfall. Some people also turn on their headlights to ensure greater visibility. However, it can be confusing for other drivers to see a moving car with hazards on during normal conditions. Remember to use it mainly for setting to park. Otherwise, other drivers can be unsure if you’re having car problems or not.
2. Avoid multitasking
Contrary to popular belief, most car collision crashes aren’t due to environmental conditions or faulty car components. Distracted and reckless drivers are the most common cause of accidents on the road. A driver needs to pay attention to numerous things while they’re behind the wheel. Maintaining their speed, watching the road, minding other drivers are just some of the things they need to continually observe.
Adding another set of obstacles, like drinking or using the phone, can lead to simple yet disastrous accidents. This is why new drivers should focus on building their muscle memory. Over time, you’ll develop instincts and gut reflexes when responding to different situations, whether you’re changing lanes or preparing to park. The more time you spend performing these maneuvers without distractions, the better and faster you can do it with ease.
3. Always use your turn signals when necessary
It’s not uncommon for careless drivers to forget to use their turn signals, especially if they’re driving in a residential area. However, there are plenty of dangers in assuming that you’re the only car in sight. The basic use of turn signals is to allow other drivers to predict your movement, especially during tight roads with narrow lanes. For example, changing lanes without using our turn signals can cause miscommunication on the road, leading to car collision accidents.
Conclusion
Being a good driver isn’t just about being familiar with handling your car; it’s also about minding your passengers and other motorists on the road. While you’re behind the wheel, mindfulness can go a long way, from keeping you away from committing traffic violations to protecting you and your passengers from harm.
With the right driving mentor, learning the driving etiquette above and the practical rules of the road will be easier to manage. Athens Driving Prep is a driving school in Athens, GA, that provides affordable driving packages to help you become a more responsible driver on the road. Contact us today, and let us help you be a smarter motorist!
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