Proactive tactics: plan ahead and keep it simple
Take the stress out of going new places and running into new
situations. The simpler you keep the job at hand, and the more
you think ahead, the more head space you'll have for
driving. Get good at doing these things:
- Plan and think through where you're going. Get a map, have a
look and mentally practice the best route
- Match the route to your ability. For example, take some
quieter roads if you think double-lane highways and roundabouts
will stress you out unnecessarily
- Ask a passenger to help you navigate
- Use navigation technology if you have it and if it
helps
- Give yourself more time than you think you'll need, then you
won't have to rush
- Try to drive at the safest time - avoid peak
hour
- Practise in your mind how you will manage difficult situations
before you get to them. For example, if you know you will have to
turn right at a major set of traffic lights, mentally rehearse the
situation and each skills involved and imagine it all going
smoothly
- Make sure you have a very clean windscreen and that your seat
and all your mirrors are adjusted for your height - you don't want
to be worrying about these things later
- Reduce, or even better, eliminate distractions in the car -
turn off your mobile, don't drive and eat, don't light up a
cigarette and don't put on or change music
To help you get even better, try some of our other tactics: