This month is Transport Month and we thought it a great time to talk about safe driving techniques.
One of the easiest ways for your customers to save money on costly vehicle repairs is by driving their cars safely. This, after all, means that they are less likely to have accidents. Here are MIWA chairperson Dewald Ranft’s top tips for safe driving:
- Pay attention to the road. There is a lot to focus on while you’re driving – your brain is inputting information about everything from the conditions of the road to the speed of the vehicles around you – so any form of distraction can have a negative impact.
- Keep calm. A surprisingly large number of accidents are caused by drivers who can’t manage their emotions. Aggression and road rage can contribute to reckless driving.
- Update your skills regularly. Just because you have a license doesn’t mean you know everything about driving. The best drivers proactively take the time to refresh their knowledge.
- Remember that you are sharing the road – and not all of your fellow road users are cars. Keep an eye out for pedestrians (especially at intersections), cyclists and motorbikes, even while you’re taking heed of what other drivers are doing. A sudden lane change can be dangerous for both of you if you aren’t paying attention. With this in mind, make sure that your vehicle is always positioned to give you a clear view of the road: you should be able to see at least two, preferably three, cars ahead of you, so that you have room to move if you need to. If this isn’t the case, move your car to a spot that gives you better visibility.