It’s easy to lose your driving confidence; most people struggle with confidence as they get older, after a car accident, or during the early stages of learning to drive. Instilling confidence in unsure drivers is essential, as hesitation and nervousness can lead to poor driving choices and inevitable accidents. Below, we share some driving tips to help unsteady drivers take to the road confidently.
Avoid high-stress driving times
When more vehicles are on the road, our driving skills are tested. We find we need to be more alert, vigilant and exercise quicker reactions than during quieter times. If you’re looking to boost your confidence, try driving when there is less traffic, or through areas where there isn’t a high volume of cars, such as side streets or smaller towns. However, if you need to travel during peak times on the road, it’s best to take roads and routes you’re more familiar with, even if it takes a little longer. Alternatively, make shorter trips and break up the driving time.
Keep a safe distance
When we are worried about our driving skills, basic actions like braking, changing lanes and making turns are often compromised. Therefore, to stay safe while on the road, exercise extra caution at all times by adding space between you and other cars. Let others around you know what you’re doing as well; use your indicator sooner than usual, for example, before changing lanes, so you have time to make better head and mirror checks. Such precautions will help you avoid not-at-fault accidents, whether you’re in the wrong or right.
Avoid distractions
With low confidence, you need to be more focused when driving than usual. You need to be alert for cars making unpredictable moves, or hazards blocking the roads. As your driving experience is stressful enough, it’s paramount you eliminate anything else that can add to your stress, like distractions. Solo driving may be the best solution for you, as a passenger may distract you or make you more nervous. Loud music and even driving with the windows open may also be off-putting and should be avoided.
Avoid driving during poor weather
Much like peak times, driving in poor weather conditions challenges our driving skills immensely; torrential downpours, low light and snow challenge even the most experienced, seasoned drivers, and require intense concentration. If you don’t need to drive when the roads are unusually dangerous, don’t make unnecessary trips which could set you back.
