10 tips to become a better driver now
Driving is one of the most dangerous things we ever do, but if you’re like most people, you do it every day, and you seldom give it any thought. And if you’re like most people, there are several ways you could become a better and safer driver, including by incorporating these 10 examples. Sit properly. Adjust the seat and steering wheel so that when your shoulder blades are touching the seatback, you can put your wrist on top of the wheel and still have a bend in your elbow. You should also be able to press every pedal right to the floor.
For airbag safety, be at least 25 cm from the steering wheel, and tilt the wheel so it’s pointed at your chest, not your face. Hand control. Hold the wheel at 9-and-3, which gives you more range of motion and puts less strain on your arms than the old 10-and-2. Never drive with one hand at the top of the wheel, where the airbag will slam your fist into your face in a crash.
And if you “hook” the wheel on a turn, by reaching inside with your palm facing you, stop it right now! You have absolutely no control of the vehicle, and if someone hits you and the airbag deploys, it will break your wrist or elbow. Look up. Look as far ahead as you can, right to the horizon if possible. You’ll still see nearby traffic, but you’ll also see problems up ahead. By reacting well in advance — rather than sitting behind the construction barrier, hoping someone will let you in — your driving will be smoother, safer and also more fuel-efficient. Watch your mirrors. Adjust your mirrors out to avoid blind spots: You shouldn’t be able to see the sides of your vehicle in them. Continually monitor all three of your mirrors to know what’s around you. If you’re aware of your surroundings and other drivers, you can better react to unsafe situations. Don’t tailgate. The driver ahead of you may slam on the brakes without warning. Remember, the faster you’re going, the more distance it takes to stop, so leave even more room at higher speeds. Make gradual lane changes. Don’t wrench the steering wheel and slam over into the next lane. That may work in video games, but in the real world, you run the risk of losing control. Instead, look to see that there’s enough space, use your turn signal and then smoothly guide your vehicle over. Adjust for the weather. All sorts of conditions can affect how your tires grip the road. Rain, ice, and even very hot pavement will all make a difference. Pay attention to what your vehicle is telling you. If you feel it’s taking longer than usual to stop, or it takes more effort to turn smoothly around a corner, slow down and take extra care. Use your lights. It’s a good idea to have your lights on at all times, but it’s essential you turn them on at dusk, or when it’s raining or foggy, since daytime running lights seldom include the rear lights. On a rainy day, especially if your car is grey or silver, other drivers might not see you if your tail lights are off. Take an advanced driving course. Most drivers don’t take any training beyond what they needed to initially get their licences. Car control schools teach you how to handle emergencies and train you in important manoeuvres that aren’t always intuitive.
For example, if you’re skidding, the best way to correct it might be to press the throttle or slip the steering wheel the opposite way, but you won’t think to do that unless you’ve been taught.
A surprising number of people will pay tens of thousands of dollars for a vehicle — often for their children — but balk at another few hundred to learn how to keep car and driver in one piece. Realize the enormity of the task. Cars are so smooth and quiet we often forget we may be piloting more than a ton of steel at more than 30 metres per second. Put down the phone, lower the stereo volume, stop going over last night’s argument in your head and pay attention to what you’re doing. When a split-second error could cost you your life, it’s essential that driving be the first thing on your mind. Jil McIntosh is a regular contributor to Toronto Star Wheels. For more Toronto Star automotive coverage, go to thestar.com/autos. To reach Wheels Editor Norris McDonald: nmcdonald@thestar.ca.