subject: How To Be A Responsible Driver [print this page] As any experienced motorist will know, driving can often be fraught with potential hazards. However conscientious you try to be, there are bound to be times when you simply cannot legislate for the reckless and ill-judged actions of other road users. Nevertheless, its important to remember that we all have responsibilities to other road users and if we overlook these, we are all less safe on the roads as a result. Even the most experienced driver can be prone to mistakes, but there are some steps you can take to improve the road safety of both yourself and other motorists.
Perhaps the most important aspect of being a safe driver is to remain as alert as possible at all times. Many of us have driven tired at some point, but its important to avoid this even if you think you could probably get away with it. This kind of attitude has been the down fall of countless motorists over the years. Tiredness can and frequently does cause serious accidents, as it can have a major effect on your reactions. Some drivers use stimulants to keep them awake, but this is also a potentially risky decision. Your best bet is to grab a quick nap in a lay-by if you possibly can, and then return to the road when you feel suitably refreshed. Driving when hung over, of course, is also a big no-no.
Minimising distractions is another important element of being a safe driver. Of course, most of us frequently find ourselves preoccupied with all sorts of gadgets, and theres certainly no shortage of demands for our attention. However, its crucial that you focus primarily on your driving when youre behind the wheel. If your phone goes off whilst youre driving, dont answer unless you can pull over in a safe place. If you must conduct calls whilst driving on your way to work, for example, then do so with a hands-free kit. It should be noted, though, that some motorists find even these to be an excessive distraction.
Another important aspect of driving responsibly is to leave plenty of space between your car and the motorist in front. This gives you more time to respond should the other driver have to brake suddenly. Its particularly important to avoid tailgating which is generally an aggressive and irritating practice, highly likely to antagonise other drivers when conditions are wet or icy, as the chances of having an accident are significantly heightened when the weather is inclement.
