Is Your Driving Style Good Enough For The Road?

Staying safe when in the car is all about knowing the road. If you’re a good driver, you take everything you see with a pinch of salt, and a lot of people tap into defensive driving to make sure their road experience gets them home safely. However, a lot of people also have distinctive driving styles that can both help and hinder them when they’re out and about. 

When it comes to deciding if you’re a good driver or not, it’s all about knowing yourself and the way you choose to handle the wheel. Here are some points to keep in mind about your own driving style, from finding it, evaluating it, and how to improve.

Find Your Style

Think about the way you act on the road; how do you approach situations where you have to slow, stop, and react to other drivers? Because depending on your typical actions, this is where your driving style will really come in. Maybe other people riding in the car with you have even commented on it before? Take all of these factors into account when finding your driving style. 

 

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Your confidence on the road also plays a factor. For example, you might be willing to overtake no matter the conditions on the road, or you’re always comfortable driving at a higher speed. This is usually seen as a ‘sport’ or even an ‘aggressive’ style. On the contrary, people who drive at lower, less hurried speeds can be classed as ‘calm’ drivers, even if they’re confident when behind the wheel. 

Rank the Safety Element

Some driving styles are safer than others, there’s no doubt about that. But no matter your style, you can switch it in and out depending on how safe it keeps you under certain conditions. For example, if you’re never changing your style to compensate for outside elements, such as driving in windy conditions, there’s a very good chance your style isn’t as safe as you need it to be. 

Behaviour like the above is typical of ‘aggressive’ drivers, who tend to think little of what’s going on around them. On the other hand, if you’re always driving like it’s a bit too wet and windy outside, there’s a chance your style is too cautious, which can also cause problems. All in all, every style has its ups and downs, especially when it comes to safety.

If You Want to Improve

If you’re uncomfortable with the way you drive, you can do a few things to change it. Maybe you want to make safer manoeuvres on the road? Maybe you just want to conserve some fuel here and there? Simply slowing down can go a long way here! Similarly, keeping your journey smooth also makes a difference. It might take some time but you can soon break your driving habits and get the results you want. 

Everyone’s driving style is a little different. You just need to make sure you’re comfortable and confident behind the wheel.