Driving responsibly is a duty for everyone who drives on public roads. By adopting the right habits and behaviours, you can help to create a less stressful, safer and more rewarding motoring experience – not only for yourself, but for all of the other motorists you share the road with.
Let’s examine some of the more important things that every responsible driver should be concerned with.
Taking care of your vehicle
It should go without saying that if you take care of your vehicle, your vehicle will take care of you. This means being proactive when it comes to maintenance, and regularly checking your vehicle for defects.
The maintenance might take the form of a regular service. Schedule it every year, or every few thousand miles. You should also stay on top of basic tasks, like inflating tyres and topping up oil levels. This will help your vehicle to last for as long as possible, while often bolstering your fuel efficiency at the same time.
In the UK, car insurance is a legal requirement for vehicles on public roads. Make sure that you’re covered, and that your cover is appropriate for the vehicle you’re driving.
Road behaviour
Of course, the way that you actually drive the car will also matter a great deal. This tends to mean limiting your speed, and reducing the likelihood of a collision. Signal as early and as unambiguously as possible. Stick to the speed limit, and keep things under control when the roads are wet or icy. Avoid tailgating by keeping a distance of at least two car lengths between you and the vehicle in front.
Staying focused
Among the biggest obstacles to safe and responsible driving in the modern era is distraction. Think about the mobile devices you’re using in the car. Even if you’re hands-free, a conversation can still place a load on your mind that might cause you to make a mistake at a junction. For this reason, audiobooks and podcasts are perhaps best reserved for long, straight sections of road, like motorways.
It should also go without saying that you should never drive while under the influence of drink and drugs. While the legal limit for drink-driving is not quite zero, you might treat this as a target if you want to be as safe as possible. Other road users, and passengers, may thank you.
We should also be aware of the danger of road rage, which can cause us to make poor decisions behind the wheel. If this is something you suffer from, then you might make a particular effort to spot it before it builds. Take a deep breath, and continue with your drive.
