Being a good driver in Virginia is a must to preserve the safety of yourself and others who share the road. It also saves you from being cited for a traffic violation, which can cost you money and even deprive you of your driving privileges. To help you be a better, safer driver, Business Insider offers the following tips.
Pay attention
It’s easy for people who’ve been driving for many years to forget the basics. If you frequently go on autopilot when behind the wheel, start paying attention to how you’re driving. Focus on things like acceleration, stopping, how quickly you make turns and any other areas in need of improvement. Once you’ve identified problem behaviors, take the right steps to correct them for a safer experience.
Put the phone away
Distracted driving is a major problem. Driving and texting is particularly dangerous, as it can impair your judgment and response time, thereby making you more susceptible to a crash. When driving with a phone, turn it off and store it far out of reach. This will subvert any temptation you might have to check your phone while your vehicle is in motion.
Be aware of your surroundings
Daydreaming or letting your mind wander while driving is another type of distraction. It’s crucial to be fully aware of your surroundings in this case, as there’s no telling where a potential hazard might originate. Along with looking in front of your vehicle, be sure to scan the sides and back as well. You can do so by checking your mirrors, but make sure you also look over your shoulder when changing lanes. This will prevent you from being surprised by vehicles in your blind spot.
