How to eliminate bad driving behaviours
Bad driving behaviours can be incredibly dangerous and cause accidents on the road. For businesses, it can also negatively impact the reputation of your company and fleet if your drivers are driving poorly. It’s important for every driver to remain vigilant and be aware of their own bad habits to work on eliminating them. The following are some tips on how to eliminate bad driving behaviours.
1. Pay full attention to the road
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of accidents. Avoid using your phone, eating or drinking. Also, avoid messing with the radio whilst driving, especially if you have more easily-accessible buttons on your steering wheel. Make sure to make full use of steering wheel mounted controls. This can help you to keep your eyes on the road and can result in less accidents. Keep your eyes on the road and stay focused to make sure you are giving your full attention to the road.
2. Follow the speed limit
Speeding is another common cause of accidents. Not only is it illegal, but it also can increase the chances of losing control of your vehicle. Always follow the speed limit and adjust your speed according to traffic and weather conditions.
3. Stay alert
Drowsy driving is a serious issue and can significantly affect a persons reaction time while driving. Make sure that you get enough sleep before driving and stop to take breaks if you are too tired.
4. Use your indicators
Failing to use indicators is a common cause of accidents. Always make sure to use your indicators when you are changing lanes or making turns. This will help other drivers on the road to know your intentions and avoid any confusion.
5. Keep a safe distance from other drivers
Tailgating is dangerous and can lead to accidents. Always keep a safe distance from the car in front of you and avoid following them too closely. The Highway Code states that you should allow at least a two-second gap between you and the vehicle in front on roads carrying faster-moving traffic.
6. Don’t drive under the influence
Driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs is incredibly dangerous, and can have severe consequences if you are caught. Never get behind the wheel after drinking or using drugs.
7. Avoid aggressive driving
Aggressive driving behaviours, such as cutting off other drivers, tailgating and honking your horn excessively can cause accidents. You should make sure to always drive with patience and courtesy.
8. Utilise telematics
By using telematics to monitor your fleets driving behaviours, you can proactively address any bad driving behaviours. Telematics offer a wide range of security and safety benefits for drivers. Erratic driving can have an impact on fuel expenditure, which is likely one of the biggest outgoings when running a fleet. Harsh breaking, corner speeding, over-acceleration and excessive idling are all behaviours that will put extra strain on your engine and stop it from working at optimal levels. Telematics can help to eliminate these behaviours, and in turn can cut down on fuel costs for your fleet. Route optimisation is another way that telematics solutions helps to cut down on fuel costs, as well as safety.
By following these tips, you can help to unlearn and eliminate bad driving behaviours and make the roads safer for everyone. Safe driving is not only important for you but also for the people around you. Now that we have discussed bad driving behaviours, the following are good behaviours to follow to become a better driver.
Always wear your seatbelt: Wearing a seatbelt is incredibly important to protect yourself while driving. It can help to prevent serious injuries or death in the event of an accident.
Check your mirrors: Always check your mirrors frequently when you are driving. This will help you to stay aware of everything happening around you. This not only includes other drivers, but also cyclists and pedestrians who are more vulnerable road users.
Use your headlights: Always use your headlights when driving at night or in low visibility conditions. This will help you to be able to see the road better and make it easier for other road drivers to see you. You should never use your high-beams if there is a car driving in the opposite direction to you, in case you dazzle them.
By following these tips, you can create a safer and more pleasant driving experience for everyone on the road. Safe driving has many benefits, both for the individual driver and society as a whole. Some of the benefits include:
1. Reduced risk of accidents
2. Increased fuel efficiency
3. Safer communities
4. Lower insurance costs
5. Reduced traffic and congestion
6. Reduces stress when driving
Useful Links
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