Driving is quite a novel concept when you think it through. It’s been less than 150 years since the Benz Patent-Motorwagen was unveiled as the first automotive vehicle designed to be autonomously driven by an internal combustion engine. As such, humans have only really been traveling via this method for a blip in our species’ history.
As such, it’s perfectly understandable why you may be nervous, worried, or even fearful behind the wheel. Navigating a large tonne or two of metal from place to place isn’t always the most comforting prospect, and of course, it’s not you that causes the greatest concern, but other road users.
However, if you do feel this worry, don’t worry. This issue is surmountable, and with some care and attention, that precise level of attention may actually help you become the best driver on the roads. In this post, we’ll discuss why that is, and how to better make use of your convictions going forward:
You’ll Pay Attention In Lessons & Practice
Nervous road users tend to be very focused on what they’re being taught by their instructor and aren’t afraid to ask for clarification if they don’t understand. This is ideal for any patient instructor because it means you won’t want to move on before you fully comprehend a given instruction or technique.
This means you build foundational knowledge and do so without building as many bad habits as those who just want to pass as quickly as possible. While this may require more lessons in the long run, you’ll be thankful for that for your entire time on the roads afterward.
You’ll Care For Theory
The theory is the underpinning of all road use, even if it seems like a relatively tiresome step you have to pass before you can become licensed and enjoy the fun part of lighting. From knowing unique signs to understanding who has the right of way on certain lanes, it’s healthy to pay attention to theory and manage it appropriately.
Caring for theory can also help you understand where you sit in line with road traffic collisions. If you had right of way and another road user didn’t recognize that, bumping into your car, then you have a case for your car accident lawyer to help you litigate. That can help you find the compensation you deserve and may help you avoid being penalized.
You’ll Prepare With The Right Equipment
Those who know the risks of the road won’t be afraid to invest in good safety equipment to prepare for any situation. This might involve purchasing a dashcam – a wise investment that can prove, without a shadow of a doubt, the road conditions you were experiencing and if anyone was driving dangerously to cause probable harm.
You may also bring a first aid kit with you in the car, or a winter survival kit in case your car breaks down in the snow. You’ll make sure your tire pressure is acceptable, that you prepare for long journeys, that your spare tire is compatible, and that you have spare food, blankets, or water if you need it.
You’ll Plan Your Routes
We’re regularly told that planning our routes is so important, and it is, but many people just roll their eyes and accept that, placing their phone in the holder, allowing Google or Apple maps to take them where they need to go.
There’s nothing necessarily wrong with this, those are great tools, but when heading on longer trips or somewhere you haven’t been before, the value in planning a route is exponentially increased. When you know some vital landmarks to look for, certain roads to avoid going down, traffic issues, and services you can arrive at if you need to, then you’re much more likely to remain safer on the roads.
You’ll feel much less anxious on the roads when you have a good planning schedule in place, and know which routes you have to take, or backups if you need them. Even experienced road users can benefit from that. If you’re usually nervous on the roads, a route plan can be your greatest friend.
You’ll Never Take A Drive For Granted
When you become more comfortable behind the wheel, it’s very easy to feel a sort of “autopilot” coming on. This is a noted phenomena, and sometimes people can drive miles, safely, without even realizing that they’ve covered that distance.
Of course, provided you are observant, this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. However, it’s important to note that no matter how familiar you are with the route, taking a drive for granted is a good way to miss potential threats on the road.
You’ll never take a drive for granted if you are aware of the risks and have had to overcome those pangs of worry as you learned to qualify. So don’t worry, having that perception is a benefit, not a detriment, provided it doesn’t suspend your healthy decision-making on the road.
You’ll Set Ground Rules In Your Car
Setting ground rules in your car is more important than anything else. When you’re able to set those rules, you’ll be able to ensure people who drive with you know what you expect of them. This might involve never smoking in your car, not playing music so loud you can’t hear what’s going on around you, or even small matters of etiquette, like driving without covering fuel.
Remember that this is your vehicle and it’s your right to remain absolutely stationary until you feel safe to begin your journey. When you’ve been worried about driving and have overcome that, you’re less likely to please people by just accepting any behavior in your car, you won’t become the “designated driver” without recourse, and you’ll be someone who keeps their car environment safe, happy and comfortable. If someone thinks you’re a buzzkill for those basic ground rules, then that’s hardly someone you need to drive.
With this advice, you’ll see how even worried, nervous learners can become the best drivers. If you’re struggling with this lately, we hope this can encourage you to keep going.
