Hints on how to form good driving habits
Habits are powerful. If you've ever tried to break a strong
one you'll know what we mean. Anything you do habitually you
do powerfully, for better or worse. So part of the task
of great driving is mastering the art of forming good
habits. Here are some hints:
Firstly, know what habits to practise
Check out the keys2drive Good
driving habits. You might want to print it out and take
it in the car with you to practice.
Alternatively, ask a professional driving instructor
(and write a list so you will always have that reference.)
Make sure influential habits are good ones
It's easy to pick up
habits from watching others and doing what they do. Parents,
siblings and friends are usually the most
influential.
Be discerning about this - make
sure you are influenced only by quality driving habits. This
includes your parent/supervisor. Some people who help you may
not know how important correct habits are and not be fussy about
you getting them right.
Form habits before you need them
As you gain experience, you will
need a wider range of habits. If you are in situations where you
need certain habits, you should already have begun to learn them.
For example, you should not begin to learn the habits for lane
changing when you are driving in busy traffic and have to change
lanes.
Form habits correctly
Aim to do it things the correct way and don’t be satisfied
with sloppy performance. When pulling out from the kerb, for
example, go through each part of pulling out exactly, even if it
takes longer. Your speed will improve, but if your practice is
sloppy your habits will be sloppy.
Correct your mistakes
If you make a mistake while you
are developing your habits, work out why, fix that problem, and do
it again the correct way.
Form habits through repetition
Do it correctly thousands of times
and it will begin to become a habit that works reliably and you
will never forget. Start now. Do it even when you’re not behind the
wheel.
Test your habits
Test yourself. While you are using
the habit, say random odd numbers between 1 and 21 (e.g. 3, 7, 19,
15). You’re doing OK if the habit works well while your mind is
thinking hard about something else.
Alternatively, have someone else
test you. Ask someone who knows what the correct habits are to
watch you drive in a situation that’s different for you, or while
you are distracted. He or she will will notice if your habits are
becoming strong.