Being a Better Driver

Every day on our roads, as both drivers and passengers, we are victims and sometimes even culprits of bad driving practices. Bad driving practices can simply be annoying, but at the worst end of the scale, they can result in serious road accidents or even violent road rage. So is there something we can do to make the driving experience safer and a little less annoying for both ourselves as drivers and for our treasured passengers?

The answer is yes and it is actually simpler than you would think

Firstly, what are some of the bad practices you see every day on the road?
Here is a list of a few:

1. Speeding.
2. Tailgating.
3. Sudden lane changes or swerving (without warning).
4. Obvious lack of concentration on the road.
5. Sudden braking.
6. Turning without indication.

I am sure as a reader you could add to the list and I am also sure you would admit if you were honest with yourself that as a driver maybe just once you were guilty as an offender.

We all make excuses for our bad behaviour but really there is no excuse when you have other lives at stake.

So why do we do it?

Here are a few reasons why (Always good to understand motivation when trying to solve the problem):

1. In a hurry (running late).
2. Distracted by phones, noise, activities other than driving, or passengers.
3. Bad temper.
4. Bad attitude.
5. Lack of skills.
6. Bad weather conditions.
7. Not thinking about what you are doing.
8. Health condition.
9. Substance abuse.

So as a responsible member of the community that use the road, how can we become safer on the road and at the same time feel really good about it?

First, if you have never been in a limousine or chauffeur driven car shout yourself a short trip somewhere and do it (a top tier service – no taxi signs and not a stretch party bus). Pay special attention this time to the drivers’ skills.

These are highly trained professionals that rarely have accidents and make their living from making their passengers comfortable and safe. If you as a paying passenger do not have a pleasant trip you will not be coming back.

Watch their driving skills

1. They never speed and do not care if other cars are overtaking them.
2. They leave spaces between their vehicle and other vehicles that allow a gradual stop if necessary.
3. They have both hands on the wheel.
4. If there is any cabin sound it is soft pleasant music.
5. They are never abusive to other drivers.
6. They are always polite to other traffic.
7. Their lane changes are relaxed, well indicated and gradual.

I could go on but you get the idea. Travelling with them is not only pleasant it is safe and makes you feel better about life. Being in a luxury car contributes to the feeling but if you keep your own car clean and comfortable it can be just like a limo to your passengers if you drive it professionally.

And just before you ask, yes I drove as a professional chauffeur for a visiting international political dignitary for one month and it had to be perfect. The great thing is it improved my driving and I got to see just how pleasant driving can be regardless of other bad drivers.

To this day I only play soft pleasant music when I am driving which truly does soothe the savage beast.

At the very least next time you are driving, just think about what I am saying and give it a go, it is actually fun behaving like a professional on the road.