In part one I shared my personal years of experience on safely and  successfully preparing for a long road trip. In part 2 we are going to take a closer look at the obvious yet surprisingly overlooked aspects of of being a better driver.

These bullet points will not only make your next drive safer but also more enjoyable, relieving stress to you and other motorists and pedestrians  around you. If that’s wasn’t enough to motivate you think of the financial savings of being a preferred driver with your auto  insurance provider? I have enjoyed this benefit for years and the saving is typically HUGE!

Being a better driver is more than just following the rules of the road, its about sharing the road with others by being alert, aware and courteous. Here are some of my favorite examples that have served me well over the years. 

Be a better driver

1. SHARE THE ROAD:  Keep a constant eye out for pedestrians, cyclists, motorcycles etc..  Even when parking be vigilant when opening your car door in congested areas. Pay attention to your personal bubble.

2. MERGING: It’s a fact! that people who merge correctly have less accidents and help keep the flow of traffic smooth and steady. So be courteous and take turns merging.

3. SPEEDING: Just slow the heck down you are way more likely to cause an accident, get a ticket, waste fuel and not necessarily get to your destination any faster. As a rule of thumb don’t drive faster than conditions permit.

4. DONT TAILGATE: DUH! this is one that I cant stand and breathe though every time it happens someone comes up on your ass at lightspeed and you have no safe way to change lanes. So now your watching the guy behind you while trying to get over and not paying attention to what’s in front you. The best way to get a tailgater off your six is signal, slow down a bit (NOT BREAKCHECK) this will let the turd behind you know you will move over as soon as its safe.
5.  Communicate: By acknowledging  yours and other drivers presence and stick to the rules of the road. Let others aware of your intentions to better anticipate yours or there next move. BE COURTIOUS!
6. USING YOUR HORN: Don’t be the guy who hammers on the horn so long as to infer there’s an incoming air strike! I mean REALLY! Sometimes folks are lost or just in an unfamiliar place. Agitating someone by adding an unnecessary layer of drama will only makes the other driver more confused and more likely to make an evasive and possibly dangerous move . If you need to get someone’s attention a couple taps on the horn will usually do the trick.
7. DONT PASS ON THE RIGHT: I have personally witnessed several accidents by reckless drivers passing on the right. It’s one of the worst moves you can make on a freeway. Yes a I know you occasionally get that driver that thinks he’s a cop and going to drive slow in the fast lane. Don’t tailgate eventually they will move to the slow lane. I have found by flashing lights sometimes will do the trick but again don’t tailgate and when its safe pass on the left.
8. SLOWER TRAFFIC STAY TO THE RIGHT: Come on now, if you know you cant keep the pace for what every reason pull to the right lane and let others pass if you have traffic approaching you from behind signal your intent to get over into the slow lane and let them pass. By allowing the traffic to flow at speed everyone will be safer and people wont have to pass on the very unsafe right side.
9. CHANGE LANES PROPERLY:  Simple right. Well many just don’t do it. Signal at least 200 feet, Look around and over your shoulder. Pay attention to cues like vehicles approaching fast, the sound of a loud motor you hear but don’t see anything (YET) its probably a motorcycle. Even if you don’t hear anything ALWAY Signal 200 feet look around and over your shoulder assume someone is in your blind spot.
10. GIVE TRUCKERS AND ROAD WORKERS A BREAK: When a trucker needs to get over to maintain momentum up a hill and needs to pass a slower truck flash your  lights and let them merge stay out of truckers blind spots as a rule of thumb if you cant see there side mirrors they cant see you. Give them space It takes longer for a truck to stop and maneuver. When it comes to road workers SLOW DOWN!  Give them space. 

Pay attention to your bubble make certain your aware of what and whos around you to better anticipate and communicate intent while driving. Last but not least. I cant say it enough “be courteous”  it’s infectious and will inspire others to be safer on the road as well. Happy and safe travels. Be apart of the conversation share your thoughts and experiences on best practices for safer driving in the comments below

Cheers, Nomad