Improve Your Driving Skills by Identifying Bad Habits

Driving is a skill that requires continuous attention and improvement. According to former constable Tim Schewe, many drivers unknowingly develop bad habits that can compromise safety on the road. Recognizing and addressing these habits is essential to becoming a better driver.

Common Bad Driving Habits

Every driver, regardless of experience, can fall into patterns that may hinder their performance behind the wheel. Common indicators of bad habits include:

• Driving on autopilot without recalling the last few minutes
• Frequent late or hard braking
• Tailgating other vehicles
• Rolling through stop signs or inconsistent signaling
• Feeling rushed or annoyed with other drivers
• Exceeding the speed limit without awareness

If a behavior occurs repeatedly, it is a habit rather than a one-time mistake. Becoming aware of these patterns is the first step toward improvement.

Strategies for Improvement

To enhance self-awareness while driving, Schewe recommends several practical strategies. One effective method is to seek external feedback:

• Ask a trusted passenger to observe your driving and provide feedback
• Review dashcam footage, if available
• Pay attention to near-misses or sudden actions by other drivers
• Take note of traffic tickets or warnings as indicators of problematic habits

Understanding the root causes of bad habits, which often stem from inattention, overconfidence, time pressure, or emotional states, can facilitate change. It is important to recognize that simply identifying a bad habit is not enough; replacing it with a positive behavior is crucial.

For instance, if a driver consistently forgets to signal, the goal should be to make signaling a habit before any lateral movement. Tying corrections to specific triggers can help reinforce this behavior. For example, checking speed upon seeing a speed sign can transform awareness into automatic compliance.

After each drive, it is beneficial to reflect on the experience. Spend a brief moment assessing whether the drive went well and identifying any mistakes. This practice takes only 30 seconds and fosters ongoing awareness and progress.

The Role of Defensive Driving

All drivers stand to gain from revisiting defensive driving principles. Engaging with advanced driving materials or taking a refresher course can help reinforce safe driving practices. It is important to note that experience alone does not prevent the formation of bad habits; intentional practice is key to improvement.

Signs of progress include:

• Feeling calmer and more predictable during drives
• Anticipating potential hazards earlier
• Being less affected by other drivers’ mistakes
• Experiencing reduced feelings of being rushed
• Noticing a decrease in near-misses over time

Ultimately, the best drivers are not those who are flawless but those who are self-aware and proactive about refining their habits. By treating driving as a skill to monitor and improve, individuals can enhance their safety and confidence on the road.

For more information on safe driving practices, visit DriveSmartBC.