10 Good Driving Habits and How to Build Them!

1. Using Turn Signals Properly

One of the simplest yet most important good driving habits is using your turn signals. Turn signals are essential for communicating your intentions to other drivers, especially when changing lanes or turning at intersections. Failure to use turn signals can confuse other drivers, increasing the risk of accidents. In fact, not signaling is one of the most common causes of collisions, and in some places, it can result in traffic fines.

How to make it a habit:
To make using turn signals a habit, ensure you signal well before changing lanes or making turns. Practice turning on your signal when you begin the maneuver, not just at the last second. Even if the road appears clear, signaling helps create a predictable driving environment, reducing the likelihood of accidents. Remember, signaling is not just about legality; it’s about safety for you and everyone on the road.

One way to reinforce this habit is by associating it with specific actions. For example, every time you approach an intersection or plan to change lanes, check that your signal is activated. This simple action can drastically improve road safety.

2. Maintaining a Safe Following Distance

Maintaining a safe following distance is crucial for avoiding rear-end collisions. It’s easy to get too close to the vehicle in front of you, especially on highways or during heavy traffic, but this is a dangerous habit. Following too closely reduces your ability to react in time if the car ahead stops suddenly. The general rule is to maintain at least a two-second gap between your car and the one in front. However, in wet or icy conditions, it’s best to increase this distance.

How to build this habit:
To build the habit of maintaining a safe following distance, start by consciously practicing the two-second rule. Choose a fixed object on the side of the road, like a sign or tree, and as the vehicle in front of you passes it, start counting. If you pass the object before you finish counting to two, you’re too close and should increase your distance.

In bad weather, always double or triple your following distance. This simple adjustment can make a huge difference in preventing accidents. Over time, maintaining this distance will become second nature. It will also allow you enough time to react to sudden changes in traffic flow, making your drive safer and more comfortable.

3. Obeying Speed Limits

Obeying speed limits is one of the most basic yet effective ways to ensure safe driving. Speed limits are set to account for road conditions, traffic flow, and potential hazards. Driving too fast limits your reaction time and increases the likelihood of an accident. At higher speeds, your car’s stopping distance is significantly longer, and any collision can result in severe damage or injury. On the other hand, driving too slowly can also be dangerous, as it disrupts the flow of traffic and can lead to accidents from behind.

How to develop this habit:
To build the habit of obeying speed limits, always familiarize yourself with the speed limits on the roads you drive. In areas with frequent changes in speed limits, such as near schools or construction zones, pay attention to the signs. Additionally, use your car’s cruise control feature to maintain a consistent speed on highways, which helps you stay within limits and avoid speeding unintentionally.

Being mindful of speed limits also saves fuel, reducing emissions and your overall driving costs. On unfamiliar roads, err on the side of caution by driving slower, particularly when visibility is limited. Over time, obeying speed limits will feel natural and will help keep you and others safe on the road.

4. Avoiding Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of accidents worldwide. Distractions such as texting, talking on the phone, adjusting the radio, or even eating can take your attention away from the road, making it much harder to respond to sudden changes in traffic or road conditions. According to studies, drivers who text while driving are significantly more likely to cause accidents than those who are not distracted. The danger of distracted driving is clear, and yet, many drivers still fall into this bad habit.

How to break distractions:
To break the habit of distracted driving, set a few simple ground rules. First, avoid using your phone while driving. Put it on silent or in “Do Not Disturb” mode to prevent the temptation to check notifications. If you need to make a call or send a message, pull over to a safe area before doing so.

Additionally, try to limit other distractions, such as eating or adjusting the car’s controls while driving. If you need to change the radio station or set a GPS destination, do so before you start driving. These small efforts can prevent dangerous distractions and allow you to remain focused on the road, reducing the risk of accidents.

5. Driving Smoothly and Avoiding Hard Braking

Driving smoothly is not only more comfortable but also contributes to fuel savings and vehicle longevity. Rapid acceleration, hard braking, and frequent stops wear down your car’s engine and braking system more quickly, leading to higher maintenance costs. Additionally, aggressive driving habits reduce fuel efficiency. A study found that aggressive driving can reduce fuel economy by up to 30%, which is significant for anyone trying to save on fuel costs.

How to develop this habit:
To improve your smooth driving, focus on gradual acceleration and deceleration. Instead of speeding up quickly and then slamming on the brakes, try to maintain a steady pace. Anticipate traffic flow, such as when you see a red light in the distance, so you can gradually slow down rather than waiting until the last minute.

This not only reduces wear on your car but also improves fuel economy. Over time, you’ll notice that driving smoothly becomes second nature, and you’ll save money while driving safer and more efficiently.

6. Keeping Your Car Well-Maintained

Routine car maintenance is essential for keeping your vehicle running smoothly. Neglecting your car can lead to issues like engine trouble, poor fuel efficiency, and even safety problems. Regular oil changes, tire checks, brake inspections, and other maintenance tasks are crucial to keeping your car in top condition. Good driving habits involve not only how you drive but also how you maintain your vehicle.

How to make it a habit:
To keep your car in good shape, stick to the maintenance schedule provided in your car’s manual. Make a checklist and regularly inspect the essential parts of your car, like tires, brakes, and lights. Set reminders for oil changes, tire rotations, and other service appointments.

When you take care of your car, it runs more efficiently and safely, which can save you money on repairs and extend the life of your vehicle. Plus, regular maintenance helps you avoid unexpected breakdowns and ensures that your car is ready for any situation on the road.

7. Using Your Mirrors and Checking Blind Spots

Properly using your mirrors and checking blind spots is a crucial part of good driving behavior. Many accidents occur when drivers change lanes without properly checking their mirrors or turning their heads to see if anyone is in their blind spot. This habit can prevent sideswipe accidents and make you more aware of your surroundings.

How to develop this habit:
Before changing lanes or merging, always check your mirrors and glance over your shoulder to check your blind spot. Make it a point to check mirrors regularly during your drive to keep track of surrounding vehicles. This habit is especially important when driving on highways or in heavy traffic where sudden lane changes are common.

Additionally, setting your mirrors correctly is essential. Make sure they are positioned to give you the best view of traffic around you. Over time, this habit will become second nature and will significantly improve your driving safety.

8. Using Headlights in Low Visibility Conditions

One of the good driving habits that many drivers overlook is using headlights in conditions of low visibility, such as fog, rain, or dusk. Headlights not only help you see the road ahead but also make your car more visible to other drivers. Failing to use headlights in these conditions reduces your ability to detect hazards and increases your chances of an accident.

How to develop this habit:
Make it a point to turn on your headlights as soon as visibility decreases, whether due to weather or time of day. If you’re driving in fog, heavy rain, or snow, use low beams to avoid impairing other drivers’ vision. On highways, use your headlights to ensure you’re visible to other vehicles, particularly when driving in dark or poorly lit areas.

This simple habit can drastically improve safety for you and other road users, ensuring you’re seen and able to see clearly.

9. Properly Parking Your Car

Proper parking might seem like a minor habit, but it contributes to both safety and the proper maintenance of your vehicle. Parking within lines, not taking up multiple spaces, and ensuring your car is safely parked reduces the risk of accidents and ensures your car is secure.

How to develop this habit:
Always check your parking space before leaving your car. Ensure it is within the lines and that you’re not blocking any entrances or exits. If you’re in a crowded lot, park a little further away to reduce the chance of someone accidentally hitting your vehicle.

This habit also ensures that your car is in a position where it’s less likely to be damaged by other drivers. Over time, you’ll make it a routine to park mindfully, ensuring both your car and others are safe.

10. Staying Calm and Patient

Good driving attitudes are often a result of staying calm and patient behind the wheel. Road rage and impatience can lead to reckless driving, speeding, and tailgating. It’s easy to get frustrated, especially during traffic jams or when other drivers make mistakes, but maintaining a calm and patient demeanor is one of the best ways to ensure safety.

How to cultivate this habit:
Take deep breaths and remind yourself that it’s better to arrive safely than to rush. If you’re feeling frustrated, pull over to take a break, or listen to calming music to help relax. Staying calm allows you to think clearly and make better decisions on the road, reducing stress and avoiding accidents.

Conclusion

Good driving habits not only keep you and others safe on the road, but they also contribute to the longevity of your vehicle and help save money on fuel. By adopting these habits, such as using turn signals, maintaining a safe following distance, and avoiding distractions, you’ll become a more responsible driver. Over time, these habits will feel second nature, and you’ll notice the positive impact on your safety, driving costs, and vehicle maintenance.