It’s the first week of January and that means one thing – it’s time to convince yourself that the new year means a new you. Bring on the New Year’s Resolutions.
You could go for the typical ones, such as eating less or avoiding alcohol, but you know that’s probably going to last all of a few days. Instead, why not try something a bit different and rid yourself of one or more of these bad motoring habits?
Not only will you be making your journey less stressful, you’ll have the warm satisfaction that comes with self-improvement.
Stop middle-lane hogging
The Highway Code clearly states that motorists should keep to the left-hand lane at all times when not overtaking, yet so many motorists cruise up the middle totally oblivious.
Apart from being a pain for other drivers, it could also land you in hot water with the police. Officers can punish drivers who don’t pull over when they should – in 2015, van driver Ian Stephens became the first person to be prosecuted for the offence, receiving a £1,000 fine and five points on his licence.
Always use your indicators
Indicators are important because they let other road users know what you’re doing. If you don’t use them, drivers could misinterpret your actions, risking a crash. And if you don’t use them on roundabouts and junctions you can slow the flow of traffic as motorists have to wait to see what you do before pulling out.
So, get your indicators flashing, let other people know what you’re up to, and keep the roads safe and flowing smoothly.
Got a 4×4? Use it
People who live in big cities and want large, practical cars invariably go for an SUV these days instead of an estate. These big 4x4s often come with fantastic off-road ability, but the most dangerous incline they face is speed bumps on the school run.
They’re also often more polluting than a large family car because of the extra weight and complex four-wheel-drive systems. So if you really must have a big, imposing inner-city motor, you should make it your resolution to use it as intended – out in the countryside where the roads are made of mud. The fresh air will do you good, too.
Keep your distance
“Only a fool breaks the two-second rule” is the old saying, but there appears to be plenty of fools on the road. In dry weather, keeping about two seconds between you and the car in front ensures there’s enough room for you to stop if something goes wrong up ahead.
Tailgating and intimidating other drivers to move over won’t get you to your destination quicker if you end up buried in their back bumper, after all.
Check the condition of your car
There are a number of simple checks that drivers often ignore but could save your life and the lives of others, so make it your mission in 2018 to actually check over your car.
Consumables are anything that can wear out or be used up in normal driving. So every now and then check tyre tread depths, the life in your brake pads, how much oil is in the engine, and whether your windscreen washer is topped up.
Learn how to park
Anyone who’s ever been to a supermarket on a busy Saturday afternoon will know how infuriating it is when drivers don’t park properly. Or perhaps you’ve headed into town and spent half the day driving in circles because you can’t parallel park. This is the year you learn how to leave your car properly parked up.
There are countless YouTube videos explaining parallel parking, so go find a quiet road to practice on – once you’ve figured out the process it’s infinitely repeatable and the satisfaction when you pull it off in front of a queue of traffic will be immense!
As for bay parking, just keeping it between the lines is a start. Also, try to keep it in the middle so people can actually get out of the cars each side of you. Basically, just be considerate.
Stop using your phone
Not only is this illegal – you can get a £200 fine and six points on your licence – it is also incredibly dangerous.
If you really can’t keep your hands off your phone while driving you need to have a serious chat with yourself. Consider your time behind the wheel as quiet ‘you time’, where social media and WhatsApp are the last things on your mind.
Keep your car clean
We’re talking both inside and out. Some people love a car that’s caked in dirt, but there really is something incredibly satisfying about a clean car.
Meanwhile, decluttering your interior will help to reduce stress behind the wheel. If you have discarded crisp packets and old McDonald’s cartons littered throughout the inside, consider having a big clear out and hoovering up – that new car feeling doesn’t take long to achieve and will make you feel better every time you climb in.
Keep calm and carry on
There’s something about getting into a car that can turn otherwise docile people into blithering maniacs. If you find your blood boiling every time you jump in the car, perhaps it’s time to chill out.
Reigning in your aggression will make you a happier, safer driver. Start by being more considerate and letting drivers out of side roads, then build up to not waving your middle finger at people who cut you up. It really doesn’t achieve anything other than stress you out, and if we all take it easy the roads will run much more smoothly.
Use your car less
Okay, so this can be tricky for people who don’t live in major towns and cities where public transport is terrible, but if you can leave the car at home, do it.
Not only is it good for the environment, if you can bring yourself to walk short journeys instead it’s good for your health, too. Considering how awful peak traffic has become, it might even be quicker!