Safer, Happier Roads: How To Be A More Considerate Driver

Here’s a state for you: 90% of drivers think they’re better than the average driver. What that tells us isn’t that the world is full of great drivers; it tells us that people have mastered the art of self-deception! While the world is beset with many problems, we can still try and tackle the issues that we can solve. And one of this is: making the roads a safer and happier place for all! Below, we take a look at how you can be a more considerate driver.

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Learn to Drive Properly

No one is a perfect driver, but that doesn’t mean we can’t aspire to be! If it’s been some time since you passed your driving test, then the chances are that you’ve picked up many bad habits that kind of just slipped into your routine. They might make driving easier or more comfortable, but that doesn’t mean they make you a safer driver! If you’ve been driving on autopilot for more years than you can remember, look at taking a refresher course. You might be surprised at all the things you’ve been doing wrong.

You’ve Got Lights: Use Them!

Driving is a simple act; the problem is, it’s sometimes so simple that people forget to do it properly. Take the lights. It takes all of one second to indicate that you’re going to turn left or right, yet so many people forget to use them. And when the lights aren’t used, it confuses behind, sometimes with a knock on effect. Lights are just one example; there are many more simple things about driving that are often overlooked.

Road Rage Be Gone

We’ve all been there. A car cuts us up. A car uses the lane that’s for turning left to wedge in near the front of the lane that’s going straight on. You can almost hear the collective blood boil! But let’s think about this for a second: what does it achieve? Well, it ruins your day. It also makes you angry, which research has shown is actually more dangerous than if you were driving while using your telephone. Instead of getting all huffy and puffy about a minor detail, let it go. You’ll never know why that driver acted as they did, but what does it matter? We’re all going to reach our destination in the end.

If the Event of an Accident

Of course, no matter how safe a driver you are, no matter how courteous you are on the road, there’s always a chance that an accident will happen. Of course, it goes without saying that one of the biggest road faux pas’ – not to mention illegal – acts is to drive off. Don’t be that guy. Get out of your car, make sure everyone is OK, and exchange your car insurance information. Car accidents have the potential to be ugly, but if everyone acts properly and respectfully, then we ensure that the best comes from a bad situation.

Keep your Distance

Though, with that being said, it’s much better to prevent accidents from happening in the first place rather than figuring out the best way to act after they’ve happened. One of the biggest causes of car accidents are cars getting too close to the one in front. This isn’t just dangerous when the weather is slippery and wet; it’s a big hazard regardless of the weather. There’s no need to get so close to the car that’s driving in front of you. Give them space to do their own thing, and you’ll have space to do your thing. Everyone wins!

Be the Change

Now, we’ve talked a lot about the correct way to act when you’re on the roads. But instead of just doing the bare minimum, what if we raised the standards of the roads? If there’s one thing that Britain needs, it’s a driver population that is happier and calmer. But how do we achieve this state of road utopia? Why, by following some “classy” driving advice from 1949, of course. You take a read of it here – it’s all about not being aggressive, sharing the road, and loving thy fellow driver, essentially.

Believing in Goodness

And finally, a request: let’s believe in goodness! Other drivers aren’t horrible human beings. They’re just like you, just trying to go about their daily business the best they can. Treat other people on the road as the individuals – and not a collective group – that they are, and everyone’s driving experience will be improved. Here’s to better, safer, happier roads!