By Nnamdi Ikeh-Akabogu
Not everyone that drives, knows how to drive. In other to stay alive and ensure other road users are also safe, you need to know and have these tips given by skill.
- A driver who steers, brakes, changes gears, and accelerates smoothly is a good driver.
- Smooth driving also places far less stress on the mechanics of a vehicle, thus avoiding unnecessary and inconvenient breakdowns.
- It’s important that drivers employ defensive driving skills when on the road. It’s all about recognising and reacting to potential situations before they happen in the interest of not only your safety, but that of other road users. By acting on situations ahead in a timely manner, you will become a smoother driver. In other words, be proactive.
- To be a good driver you need to be able to anticipate what other road users will do. If you know where to look, you will see clues all around: pedestrians who might be about to run into the road, children playing on the pavement, water or items on the road surface, or stray animals. These are all signs to give you information to act upon. Be vigilant, and be aware, as this will make you a better driver in the long run.
KNOWLEDGE
Knowledge is defined as what is learned, understood, or what you are aware of.
- A good driver knows what leads to accidents (distracting activities, daydreaming, fatigue) and is therefore more aware of how to avoid or minimise these risks.
- A good driver also knows his or her limitations – physically, mentally, and emotionally – and knows how to overcome them.
- By knowing your vehicle’s abilities and shortcomings, you will be better equipped to respond to potentially dangerous situations.
- Does your vehicle have enough power to execute passing manoeuvres safely and timeously? How hard do you have to step on the brakes to come to a complete stop? Is your vehicle equipped with ABS brakes or will you need to apply cadence braking? Are there any other driver aids, such as stability control and traction control, which need to be considered?
- A good driver isn’t necessarily a person with split-second reflexes, the eyesight of a hawk and the talent of a racing driver.
- A good driver is anyone who understands that all road users have a responsibility to each other to obey the law and the rules of the road. It is anyone who is unselfish, and who respects the rights of others.
Let us all strive to become better drivers. It doesn’t take that much effort and has far-reaching benefits for everyone.
The expert is DCC Nnamdi Ikeh-Akabogu, DCC Morning and Evaluation (M&E), Special Duties and External Relations (SEDER), Federal Road Safety Commission, HQ, Abuja.
