Tips for Being a Better Driver

Even if you’ve been driving for many years, it never hurts to take some steps to become a better driver. Regardless of your level of experience behind the wheel, it doesn’t take too much effort to improve or fine-tune your driving skills. Keep reading for our rundown of ways to boost your overall confidence and safety while driving. 

Maintain Proper Wheel Position

For many years, 10 and 2 was the standard recommendation for where to place your hands on the steering wheel. However, this has changed. If you haven’t updated your go-to steering wheel position in many years, you may become a better driver by shifting to the new standards, which are 9 and 3 or 8 and 4.

Make Sure You’re Always Alert when Driving

A study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found nearly 20 percent of traffic accidents were related to drowsiness. Become a safer driver by avoiding instances when you may not be as alert as possible. This means not driving while you’re excessively sleepy or impaired in any other way. It’s also important to avoid driving if you’re under the influence of medication that could make you drowsy, such as medicine you might be taking for a cold or allergies.

Watch Your Speed

It’s easier than you might think to find yourself traveling at a higher speed than you thought you were. Even if you’re going over the speed limit by a little bit, the results can be potentially dangerous. You may also find yourself increasing your speed to pass another vehicle. Speeding for any reason can significantly increase your accident risk—and your car insurance rates.

Be Cautious with Challenging Driving Conditions

Brush up on your driving skills by taking proper precautions when conditions aren’t optimal. Ideally, it’s best to avoid driving at all in heavy rain, snow, or fog. Steps you can take to be safer if you do have to drive in such conditions include:

• Reducing your speed to match the weather conditions
• Using specially designed glasses if you regularly drive at night
• Not using cruise control when it’s raining

Avoid Potential Driving Distractions

It’s easier than you may realize to be distracted while you’re driving. Improve your ability to drive safely by avoiding any of the following distractions when you’re behind the wheel:

• Using your cell phone—even using a Bluetooth headset can be potentially risky and distracting
• Fiddling with the radio
• Eating
• Engaging in conversations that tend to be excessively distracting

It can also be helpful to use Google Maps ahead of time so you’re not distracted by trying to figure out where you’re going. Use the street view so you have certain landmarks to look for as you drive.

Consider an Online Driving Course

With a good online course, you’ll learn or be reminded of guidelines such as how to maintain a safe distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you. Conveniently available and easily accessible, these courses also offer reminders about legal issues such as the difference between a DWI and a DUI. 

Your auto insurance agent can provide you with additional safety information and tips to help you enhance your driving skills. If you’re looking for reliable car insurance and high-quality service, call on the trustworthy agents from Altra Insurance Services. We can also provide you with motorcycle, renters, and home insurance in San Diego Their residents should give us a call today at (619) 404-6311.