Tips and Tricks on How to Become a Better Driver

July 27, 2018Car Driving Tips
Gemma Collins

Gemma is an NJ local that has explored all the US states, making her the perfect person to write about moving.

Do you lack confidence in your driving skills? You’re not alone. Many feel this way, often because they don’t know how to become a better driver on their own. With some tips and tricks, learning about common mistakes, and avoiding them, you’ll master these skills and feel more confident on the road.

So, you moved your car to another state with a USA auto transport company and are worried about driving in a new place. While a car shipping company can only help with moving services, they can’t teach you to drive safely. That’s why you should shake driving anxiety and work on sitting behind the wheel once again.

Why You Should Figure Out How to Become a Better Driver

Learning how to be a safe driver is important. Too many accidents happen on the road daily, and many are caused by unsafe driving. If more people understood the importance, there’d be fewer accidents and injuries.

Statistics from 2020 show that there were around 35,000 fatal car accidents that killed approximately 38,000 people. Wyoming had the most SUV and pickup deaths (48%) and the fewest car deaths (21%). Hawaii had a low car (28%) and SUV/pickup (20%) fatality rates but a high pedestrian death rate (25%).

Many of these accidents would have been preventable if people followed the rules of the road and drove safely. Traffic accident statistics are a sobering reminder that we need to be more careful when we get behind the wheel.

Stats should also motivate us to make safer choices and be more aware of our surroundings. When we drive safely, we protect ourselves and help keep the roads safe for others. No amount of driverless cars in the future will be able to change that.

Give USA Auto Transport an Ask for a Free Quote

GET A QUOTE

How Moving Can Help You Become a Better Driver

An auto transport company can provide a stress-free relocation by helping you move efficiently. They’ll offer various ways to move your car, from open transport trailers and enclosed auto transport to door-to-door auto transport and terminal-to-terminal car shipping.

But it’s up to you to learn other options for driving improvement. Here are some things to consider when relocating to another state:

Learn About the 4-Second Gap and How to Maintain It

The 4-second gap is the essential distance drivers should keep between each other. At 55 mph, a car will travel the length of a football field (100 – 120 yards) in four seconds. In that same amount of time, a vehicle traveling at 25 mph will only cross the length of a basketball court (30 yards.) This difference can be crucial between life and death.

The 4-second rule gives you enough time to react to a situation, avoid an accident, and stop if someone pulls over in front of you. Of course, there are always exceptions to the rule. If you’re in heavy traffic, you may need to leave a large gap, and if you’re on a slippery road, you’ll want to give yourself more time to stop.

If you’ve ever played one of those racing games, you remember what happens when it rains, or someone brakes suddenly. The bottom line is to use your best judgment and err on the side of caution. When in doubt, give yourself more time to react. It could save your life.

four wheeler on the street
The 4-second gap often makes a difference in sticky traffic situations

Learn the Importance of Mirrors

Mirrors play an integral role while driving. Whether you have one of the best off-road vehicles or a simple car for city driving, mirrors will be essential for safety.

One of the most important things for drivers is being aware of their surroundings. That includes other cars, pedestrians, and potential road hazards, whether they drive by night or day. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to stay aware of everything that’s going on around you while driving. That’s where mirrors come in.

With them, drivers get a better sense of what’s happening behind and to the sides of their cars, allowing them to adjust their driving accordingly. For example, if another car tries to pass them, they can move over to give them room. Or, if a pedestrian is crossing the street, they can slow down.

However, not all drivers use mirrors correctly. Many only check their mirrors sporadically, if at all. This can lead to problems because they’re not getting a complete picture of what’s happening around them. As a result, they may not see hazards in time.

That’s why you should learn how to use mirrors correctly while driving. Checking them regularly – before making any changes in your driving – will help you stay safe on the road and give you a better sense of what’s happening around you.

Open Carrier Auto Transport

Read More

Enclosed Auto Transport

Read More

Check Your Mirrors Before Changing Lanes

There are three mirrors you need to be aware of when changing lanes: the rearview, the driver’s side, and the passenger’s side mirrors.

The rearview mirror provides a view of what’s behind you, and it’s vital to check before changing lanes. There might be a car in your blind spot (the area of the road that you can’t see in your other mirrors) that might not see you if you try to change lanes.

The driver’s side mirror shows what’s happening on the driver’s side of the car, and checking it before changing lanes is important for two reasons. First, there might be a car in your blind spot. Second, something else may be happening on that side that you should be aware of (e.g., a pedestrian or a cyclist).

Finally, the passenger’s side mirror shows you what’s happening on the passenger’s side of the car. The same two reasons apply to the driver’s side mirror: there might be a car in your blind spot, or something else may be happening on that side of the road.

Why the Rearview Mirror Is the Most Important

The rearview mirror is the most important in the car and crucial to being a safe driver. The most expensive cars in the world have rearview mirrors and don’t take risks in traffic. Here are three reasons why the rearview mirror is so important:

  • It allows you to see what’s behind you, thus being able to avoid mishaps and be aware of others,
  • It helps avoid accidents caused by tailgating and unconscious driving,
  • It helps you stay focused on the road since it can be easy to get distracted while driving.

Keep Your Head on a Swivel and Look Around

Keeping your head on a swivel while driving may sound like something your grandpa would advise, but there’s a reason why it’s sage advice. By keeping your eyes moving and being aware of your surroundings, you can help avoid accidents and make driving a more enjoyable experience.

Eyes on the Target At All Times

One of the most important things to do while driving is to keep your eyes on the target. This means looking ahead to where you want to go, not where you are. It sounds simple enough, but in practice, it’s easy to get caught up in looking at the car in front of you or the side of the road.

If you find yourself doing this, take a deep breath and refocus your gaze on the horizon. By keeping your eyes on the target, you’ll be able to react more quickly to any potential hazards that pop up in front of you.

Keep an Eye on Drivers Around You

It’s also important to keep an eye on other drivers, especially the ones in front and behind you. Checking your mirrors will help you stay aware of what’s around you and give you time to react if someone cuts you off or tailgates you. It will also help you anticipate other drivers’ next moves.

Person driving a car to a car shipping company
Keeping your head on a swivel and following others is a good way to participate in traffic

Master Parallel Parking

If you watch TV shows about cars, you probably understand the importance of driving safely. But do you know how to park safely, too? When you move and book shipping cars in the USA, consider you’ll have to park (or even worse, parallel park) into your driveway.

Parallel parking is important because it’s often required when parking in tight spaces. If you can’t do it, you’ll likely have difficulty finding parking in crowded areas. This can be frustrating, and it can even lead to accidents if you’re not careful.

Overall, mastering parallel parking can significantly help improve your driving. Doing it successfully requires great coordination and precision, so by practicing this skill, you’ll transfer those same qualities over to other aspects, such as maneuvering through traffic or parking in tight spots.

The video below is a short, but detailed description of how to parallel park by using signs and cues around you.

YouTube video

Learn to Follow Traffic and Driving Rules

Traffic signs help drivers navigate the roads and ensure everyone follows the same rules. Learning the meaning of different traffic signs is essential for all drivers, especially those new to the road.

The essential signs to learn include stop, yield, speed limit, school zone, and construction signs. An overview of each can be found below.

Stop Signs

Stop signs are typically red octagons with “STOP” written in white. They indicate drivers to come to a complete stop at the line before proceeding. Stop signs apply to all lanes of traffic, not just the lane that the sign is in.

Yield Signs

Yield signs are yellow or red triangles with the word “YIELD.” They indicate that drivers must slow down and be prepared to stop if necessary, but they don’t have to come to a complete stop unless there is oncoming traffic or pedestrians crossing.

Speed Limit Signs

Speed limit signs indicate the maximum speed limit drivers are allowed to go on a certain stretch of road. They’re usually rectangular with black numbers on a white background. Drivers must obey them as speeding is one of the leading causes of accidents.

School Zone Signs

These signs indicate areas with high pedestrian traffic levels due to schools nearby. These are rectangular with black letters on a yellow background. Be extra cautious in school zones as children tend to dart out into the street without looking first.

Construction Zone Signs

These signs indicate areas with obstacles or changes in the roadway due to construction work. Construction zone signs are rectangular with black letters on a yellow background. Use caution when driving through these zones as there may be workers or equipment on the road.

Becoming a Better Driver Is Almost Always About Being Ready for It

Just like making friends in a new city, taking the time to prepare for movers, and learning how to live on your own, becoming a better driver is all about being ready for it. This doesn’t just entail being physically ready like having a car to drive or a driving license.

While yes, these things are the bare minimum of driving, they aren’t crucial to improving as a driver. You have to be ready for it mentally – that will play a major role in your overall improvement and give you the confidence to move forward despite fear and anxiety.

Get a Quote

    check mark
    Download as PDF

    Moving Checklist

    Get a Free Estimate 855.675.3451