Before you set off on the road take some time to consider some basic driving techniques for a smoother, more comfortable drive.
Driving posture
How important do you think it is to adjust your seat and the controls in your car to suit your height and build?
The answer is very important! It doesn’t just help with your comfort level but it also reduces fatigue, improves your control, and allows the safety features of your car to do their thing.
Seatbelts
Wear your seatbelt low, flat and firm.
- Low – When you connect your seat belt, make sure it is under your waist, this is to make sure your body weight is fully secure.
- Flat – The belt must be kept flat and there shouldn’t be any twists, turns or folds.
- Firm – Every now and then, pull your seat belt so it removes any slack.
Airbags
Airbags can be life savers, however, by not adjusting your seat and steering wheel to suit your body, the airbag will become a lot less effective if you are involved in a crash.
To get the most benefit from the driver’s airbag, the steering wheel should be adjusted to face the driver’s chest rather than face.
Braking technique
Braking hard and fast can cause skidding and a loss of control, especially on gravel or wet roads. A two stage process should be used when you brake:
- First put some light pressure on the brake;
- Then progressively increase pressure to bring your vehicle to a stop
Steering technique
Below are some handy techniques to help you control your car better when driving
- Make sure you steer the car smoothly, try to avoid sudden movements as you can lose control.
- Slow down before turning and wait until your car starts to straighten before accelerating
- When steering, keep both hands on the outside of the steering wheel, and place your thumbs along the seam of the wheel.
TALK TO US
|
P Drivers Project Learning to drive? Who's going to teach you? Remote control Cool running Night vision Slippery business Reversing the stereotype Getting past it Too sick to drive? The pay off Mean streets Basic driving techniques 
The Challenge: Nice to Cap d'Antibes Roads trip tips Newcastle and beyond 
Be a traffic clairvoyant Speeding Freaky sleep Anatomy of a crash Stagger on home Making Motorcycle's safer with ABS What to do in a crash After the crash Witnessing a crash The panic zone Slow down pledge New safety cameras Dangerous foods Driven to distraction Driving unregistered and uninsured Spinal cord injury and motor vehicle crashes Stop, revive, survive Check twice for bikes |
 |
