Drive Like a Pro: 10 tips on safe driving

METRO MANILA, – Like any other skill, driving is something that you must practice constantly so that you don't lose your abilities.

While you may have learned how to drive when you were 16, chances are that your skills have gotten a bit rusty since then. Here are some tips that will help you practice driving safely again.

Tip 1: Know the area you’ll be driving in

Before you even get behind the wheel, do some research and familiarize yourself with the area you’ll be driving through.

Are there any detours, traffic lights or speed bumps? All of these things can affect your driving, so make sure you know what’s ahead of you before getting in your car.

Tip 2: Be aware of your surroundings

It’s not just other cars and pedestrians that pose a threat to your safety.

There are all kinds of potential hazards on the road that can cause problems, including broken pavement and potholes. That’s why it's vital to focus on your surroundings as you drive.

Tip 3: Take it easy on the accelerator

Going fast may sound like a more efficient way of getting where you need to go.

But the truth is, it can lead to road crashes, as well as tickets and fines from law enforcement officers. If you keep your speed within the posted limit, you’ll have more control over your vehicle when unforeseen things happen.

In addition, you get to save more fuel, which is handy given how high fuel prices are now.

Tip 4: Make it a habit to drive safely

The first step to becoming a better driver is to get lots of practice.

Whether you took lessons at a driving school or from your parents, getting behind the wheel constantly is essential to refine your safe driving skills. It is important to familiarize yourself with the controls of your car and how they work.

That way, you won’t be distracted while driving, allowing you to focus on the road in front of you.

Tip 5: Avoid distractions

Whether it's a phone call, loud music playing on the radio or an argument with a passenger, distractions can lead to road crashes.

Hence, it is advisable to steer clear of anything that will divert your focus from the road. Concentrate fully on what you are doing and attend to important matters once you arrive at your destination.

Tip 6: Use your rear-view mirror

Always check your rear-view mirror first before making a turn or changing lanes.

Additionally, look for any vehicles or people hiding in your blind spots. Doing so will ensure the safety of other drivers, pedestrians and your passengers.

Tip 7: Keep distance from other cars

You should always maintain enough distance with the vehicle in front of you in case it suddenly brakes.

Having sufficient distance also allows you to change lanes safely. This can be troublesome, especially in tight streets, but doing this could just save your life.

Tip 8: Turn on your headlights during low-visibility conditions

Most drivers just use their headlights at night so that they can see where they're going.

But having your lights on can be useful during heavy rain or fog. This is because turning on the headlights also activates the taillights, which means other drivers can see you from behind.

Some cars also have foglights that cut through low-visibility conditions better.

Tip 9: Use turn signals properly

Many drivers have gotten into crashes because they or other road users either don't use turn signals or use them incorrectly.

As a rule of thumb, always use them when turning or changing lanes. And make sure to turn them on about 50 meters ahead of a turn, not at the very moment you do it.

Tip 10: Use a dependable vehicle

Another effective way to practice driving safely is to choose a reliable ride.

A pick-up truck may be built to handle lots of abuse, but broken parts or leaking oil will only cause you trouble and huge repair costs. To avoid this, make sure that your automobile is working properly before getting behind the wheel.

Check the gasoline, mirrors and tires. You can also do some maintenance work or ask a skilled mechanic to check your car out.

Automart.PH offers a wide selection of used cars at great prices, ranging from compact cars to pick-up trucks, that suit your company’s needs.

And if you’re looking for the finest used cars, check out Automart.PH Certified Used Vehicles. These are restored until they feel like new again. They also come with a three-day money-back guarantee and, for Gold Certified units, a one-year warranty.

Automart.PH Senior Content Creator VJ Bacungan contributed to this story.