Driving is one of the most dangerous things we do, but few people consciously practice or try to improve. If you are in a crash with an older, more experienced driver, they may argue that they could not have caused the crash because they have been driving without incident for years. If you are a young or inexperienced driver, it might seem daunting to argue against that.
Driving more does not necessarily make you a better driver. Once you pass your test, it is easy to forget the techniques you learned and implement poor driving habits. The more you repeat those poor techniques, the more ingrained they become. To get better, you need to practice the correct techniques.
How can you improve your driving?
Here are a few examples of things that you can get better at with proper practice:
- Scanning your mirrors: Your vehicle has three mirrors, and you should use all of them for the best chance of seeing what is going on around you.
- Emergency braking: Understanding how long it takes your car to stop teaches you to leave more time to brake. Practicing in a safe environment also prepares you for how your vehicle will react. For instance, finding out that your car pulls to the side when you slam the brakes permits you to allow for that and indicates you might need to check your wheels and tires.
- Avoiding ice: With winter coming, black ice is a risk. Knowing what to do if you hit a patch of it will reduce the chances of a crash. Understanding you need to steer into a skid and avoid slamming the brakes is a start, but there is nothing like the experience of the real thing.
If a driver crashes into you, probably, they are not driving well. Finding out what they did wrong will be essential to claiming the compensation you need for your injuries.