It is pretty safe to say that most of us consider ourselves to be pretty good drivers. However, although it might be hard to admit, the vast majority of people on the road could use a few driving tips from the pros.
This is particularly true when making the switch from a regular automobile to driving a high-performance vehicle.
Whether you have made the switch or simply want to learn how to drive better, check out this list of seven driving techniques the pros use.
So, You Think You Can Drive?
Alright, if you think can drive like Lewis Hamilton, this probably isn’t for you. Come to think of it, shouldn’t you be competing in Formula One right now and not surfing the internet?
It’s best to admit that you don’t know everything so you might learn something.
The truth is, you don’t have to be a professional race car driver to apply professional techniques to your daily driving. Whether you drive a Prius or one of the latest supercars, there are certain rules that apply to everyone.
Safety First
Car accidents make up the leading cause of death among people aged 15-29.
The vast majority of car accidents are caused by some type of avoidable mistake. The very first step to learning how to drive like a pro is learning how to drive safely.
You’ll never be a great driver if you drive like an idiot. And for God’s sake, wear the damn seat belt.
Seven Driving Techniques From the Pros
Driving is very much a part of the modern lifestyle. Some drive because they have to but the rest of us are truly obsessed.
We are always thinking of ways to make driving more safer but what can you do?
Here are the top seven car driving tips you should be doing every time you drive.
1. Before You Start the Engine
If you just hop in the car and go, you’ve already failed the driving test.
Failing to prepare is preparing to fail. This applies to driving cars as well. There are a few things you have to consider before you even start the engine.
Trip Checklist
Is the car in good condition and how are the tires? Will the weather conditions affect your trip?
Consider your surroundings and look for any potential obstacles. Now that you are in the car, you can put your seatbelt on.
This is a good time to check your mirrors. Once you turn your car on, check your fuel and look for any warning signals on your dashboard and plan accordingly.
2. Back to Basics
We’re going to have to go back to driver’s ed. 15-year-old you was probably too busy goofing off the even pay attention to what was going on so let’s take a quick refresher course.
Do you come to complete stop at stop signs or do you apply that ole’ Rhode Island rolling stop? When taking a left turn, do you make sure you go into the left lane?
For the BMW Drivers
Your vehicle has a special device used to communicate with other drivers to let them know where you are going to avoid a car accident.
In 1929, Oscar J. Simler invented the turn signal. One of the best driving tips we can give you is to use it each and every time you turn or change lanes.
This may seem tedious but you’ll be a better driver for it.
3. Head On a Swivel
You may be tempted to simply keep your eyes on the road since, after all, you have probably been told that time and time again.
It is very important to be completely aware of your surroundings. This means constantly checking your rearview mirrors and your blind spots.
4. Blinded by High Beams?
There is nothing worse than driving a dark, windy highway at night and getting blinded by oncoming high beams.
This is generally caused by BMW drivers or guys that put an obnoxious amount of lights on their trucks. This is can be scary and potentially dangerous.
Do not panic. Look down and towards the right, using the street lines to guide you. Reduce your speed as needed.
5. Hands at 10 and 2?
Were you told to keep your hands at 10 and 2? The majority of us were told that was the best way to grip the wheel.
Not only does it feel weird, we now know that it is a bad idea. Holding the wheel like that locks your arms in too stiff of a position. In the case of an accident, the backward force on the arms can cause severe injury.
The experts now recommend leaving your hands at 9 and 3 for added safety and comfort. Oh, if you think you look cool driving with one hand and the seat all the back, you don’t. Please stop.
6. Don’t Get So Close
Are you a proctologist? Then why are you so close to someone’s rear end?
One of the most common causes of car crashes is driving too close to the person in front of you. Most people tend to overestimate their reaction time and underestimate how long it will take the car to come to stop.
If you are traveling 60 mph, it will take you almost 200 feet to come to a complete stop. If conditions are wet, it will take even longer.
The Two-Second Rule
So, how can you avoid being to close? Easy, you just have to apply the two-second rule.
Once the car in front of you passes a fixed object, such as a telephone pole, start counting. A full two seconds should pass before you pass that same object.
Want to be extra safe? Give yourself three seconds of space in slippery conditions.
7. The Grace of a Ballerina
Do you think you need to be some type of tough guy to be an all-star driver? The truth is that driving requires much more grace and finesse than it does strength.
Treat all of it parts gently and with respect. When driving, hold the shifter as if it were an egg.
Your handling will improve and become more smooth. Also, your vehicle will appreciate the soft hands and may suffer less wear and tear.
Get Behind the Wheel
Driving is one of the most fun and pleasurable activities you can do. There is a good reason why we are so obsessed with it.
We tend to think pretty highly of our own driving but is there anything you could do to improve?
Check out this blog on everything related to cars and driving techniques for all your automotive interests.
