How to Break Bad Driving Habits

Driving is a task that can be fun, but takes practice to master. Driving is also inherently dangerous, as you not only need to worry about yourself on the road, but other motorists who have varying skill levels. Developing good driving habits over time is one of the best ways for you to continue traveling on the road safely. These are a few of the most effective things that you can do to break any of your bad driving habits while replacing them with better driving habits.
 
Be Alert

One of the best driving habits that you can develop for yourself is remaining focused while you are driving and being aware of the surroundings around your vehicle. You not only need to be aware of what you are doing while you are behind the wheel but how other drivers are traveling around your vehicle as well. Be mindful of obstructions, objects, and animals in the road also.
 
Rest

Avoid driving if you are exhausted, as exhaustion will decrease your alertness and can lead to you making simple errors that can be dangerous for you and other drivers. Similarly, do not drive your vehicle if you are under the influence of any substances. Many substances increase the amount of time that it takes for you to react, placing you in potentially hazardous situations that could have been avoided. 
 
Travel at the Speed Limit 

A speed limit is pre-determined by qualified authorities to be the safest speed for a specific road. The speed limit takes the design of the road and how vehicles can handle the road into account. Therefore, it is important for drivers to stay within the speed limit while they are driving. Develop a habit of matching the speed limit of every road that you drive on; do not travel too fast and do not travel too slow as well.
 
Maintain a Safe Following Distance
Maintaining a safe traveling distance from other drivers on the road is a great habit for you to have. Maintaining a safe following distance will provide you with enough time to react to the actions of other drivers on the road. If there is an emergency on the road, such as a collision, you will also have the opportunity to stop safely before your vehicle reaches the location of the incident. When the roads are covered in rainwater, snow, and ice, you will need to leave a larger distance between your vehicle and the other vehicles on the road, as these conditions all make the roads more slippery. 
 
Check Your Mirrors and Blind Spots
Develop a habit of checking the rearview mirrors, side mirrors, and blind spots of your vehicle while you are driving. Checking these areas of your vehicle will keep you aware of your surroundings and will allow you to maneuver on the road with caution. It is especially important for you to habitually monitor the blind spots of your vehicle, as these are the areas that it is hardest for you to see through or around.
 
Use Your Turn Signals

Turn signals are crucial tools that alert other drivers of where you intend to move with your vehicle. Turn signals are required by law to be equipped on every road-legal vehicle due to their significance. The turn signal of a vehicle is conveniently designed so that the motion of the vehicle's steering wheel aligns with the direction that the turn signal signals. Develop a strong habit of using the turn signals that are on your vehicle so that you can avoid collisions with other drivers on the road.
 
Service Your Vehicle Regularly

Routine vehicle maintenance is important for your safety. The components of your vehicle are designed to function in unison with one another. When one of the components of your vehicle is damaged it can lead to a series of other issues for the vehicle, some of which can affect how the vehicle operates and handles. Having your vehicle regularly serviced by a skilled technician will also help you save money on your vehicle over time.
 
It can take time to break bad driving habits, so remain mindful of the things that you need to address while you are on the road. Breaking your bad driving habits will help you save money over time and will also keep you safe on the road. Visit us at Sport Chevrolet if you would like to learn more about developing strong driving habits. Consider viewing the inventory of vehicles that we have to offer at our dealership as well. A representative of our dealership will be glad to assist you.