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As a new driver, it is more essential than ever to pick up good driving habits. Even if you’ve been on the road for 20+ years, it’s likely you could still improve your driving technique. Sometimes, the best way you can do this is to go back to basics. In this article we will provide advice, tips and explanations on the most used driving manoeuvres in the UK today.
Mirrors, Signal, Manoeuvre
Before you pull away from anywhere, the most important thing is to ensure you check all around your vehicle to confirm it is safe to do so. You can do this mainly by using your mirrors, but don’t forget to check your blind spot. Over the years, many people forget the importance of this procedure, which is followed by signalling to other road users that you are about to set off. You can do this by using your indicators to highlight where you plan to move. The next step is manoeuvring your vehicle safely – to do so you must continually check your mirrors and be aware of other road users. Depending on where you are placed, this manoeuvre will vary each time, which is why it is so important to be vigilant.
Dry Steering
To ensure good maintenance of your car, everyday mistakes such as dry steering need to be eliminated. When you’re turning the steering wheel it is vital to ensure your vehicle is not stationery, otherwise you could cause damage to the tyres and wear in the steering mechanism.
Slowing Down or Stopping
Another way in which you can improve your driving and ensure good vehicle maintenance is to be in control of your car at all times, especially when you are slowing down or stopping your car. Doing so in a controlled way will not only save you fuel, it will also ensure the safety of yourself and other road users. Always keep in mind that the faster you’re going, the longer it will take to stop. Concentrate on braking smoothly simply by learning to anticipate the need to brake better, which will therefore allow you to judge the stopping/braking distance.
Pulling Onto A Motorway
For some road users, pulling onto a motorway requires a lot of attention and quite rightly so! This manoeuvre should be done with the utmost of care. There are three vital things to remember. Firstly, you must ensure that you are travelling at an efficient speed. Secondly, you should be aware of your surroundings by checking your mirrors, blind spot and rear view. Finally, you must signal and make it clear to other road users when and where you are planning to merge, and of course only do so when it is safe to.
Although simple, these manoeuvres are used in everyday life and for the safety of our roads it is vital that we carry them out correctly each and every time we get into a vehicle. If you’ve yet to think up a New Year’s revolution, why not print this out and stick it up on your wall?
