The first automobile was invented in 1885 by a certain Karl Benz. Little did he know, his clunky little carriage evolved into one of the most universal pieces of ingenuity ever invented. The car (which is, fun fact, a short form of the word carriage) took over the world. Roads, along with running water and electricity, have become a vital indicator of any nation’s very development.

One of the fondest memories of many people’s lives is learning how to drive. It could either be with your father sitting in the passenger seat. Soothing your jagged nerves with his calming voice. And, very subtly, a hand ready to reach for the emergency brake if need be. Or if he was too nervous himself and sent you off for driving lessons like the ones by EZlicense.

In any case, driving is one of the most important skills any person can have in their repertoire. This following article will give you some more tips and tricks to impress anyone on the road. Or, indeed, anyone that trusted you enough to let you drive them. From little tips that will let people know how smooth you are. To pieces of driving etiquette that might save your life. Here are five techniques that will make you a better driver.

Wear your seatbelt.

Your dad was absolutely right to tell you to get your seatbelt on. As rudimentary as it may seem. Or as boring as it may seem. Wearing a seatbelt may very well save your life.

Everyone on the road is a human being. And all human beings are very, very fallible. It simply does not matter how good of a driver you are. Miscalculations happen all the time if you are in a densely populated environment. Even if you are not on a busy road. There is no telling when a random kangaroo will hop onto the scene. And that is not something random added for comedic effect. If there has been a car collision in Australia, there is a very high chance that a ‘roo is involved.

Wear your seatbelts people.

Adjust your seat

Human beings come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. So do cars. However, it can be said that the variation is far more apparent in people than in cars. What I am trying to say is that everyone is different. And cars are less so.

A person spends a lot of their daily lives sitting in a car. Whether it be commuting from work or school. A long trip to meet your grandparents across the country. Or if you drive an Uber for a living.

Adjust your seat for maximum lumbar support. Tilt the seat so your spine is neutral. Neck upwards and forwards. Get a neck pillow, the type you get at airports if you will be on a particularly long drive. What this does is prevent the development of any imbalances in your back or neck. Allowing you to drive that long drive without issue.

Remember-comfort is key.

Think ahead

Plan out your journey. Especially if it is a long drive. Here are some things you need to keep in mind when doing so-

• How long will the journey be?

• What will the weather be like?

• How many petrol stations are on the way?

• How many rest stations are there?

Knowing a few of these things beforehand will spare you from a lot of unnecessary hassle. It is always better to plan for any amount of discomfort. As opposed to actually facing it on the road.

Ensure that your car is road fit

There are a few things that you have to think about before turning the key.

One of the most important being-check your car battery. It will not do to be stuck in the middle of nowhere because your car will not start. Use some hot water on the terminals of your battery if it is a bit old. This will prevent you from panicking that you will miss a meeting or be late for school.

Check your petrol. Or gas. Whichever your car uses to propel itself, and you, forwards. This might seem like a simple thing. But it is important. Thousands of people get in their cars every day and curse themselves when the car does not move. Every time you get home, make a note of where the old needle is.

Before getting in the car, inspect the tires. If they seem deflated, they probably are. It is always better to ensure that your tire pressure is between 30-35 psi. The more deflated the tire, the more friction between the rubber and the road. The more pennies out your pocket for petrol.

Save up. Get your tires properly inflated.

Check the Mirrors

Before starting any journey, check your side mirrors. They are the handiest tools a driver can have. Barring the actual steering wheel itself. Adjust the mirrors according to your height and your posture whilst you drive. This will make it easier for you when you drive.

You must also familiarize yourself with your blindspot. The parts that you can not see even with the help of a side mirror. Whenever you are taking a turn, slow down and ensure that no car is barrelling towards you in your blindspot. Knowing your car is of paramount importance.

Use the turning signal

We all know that one idiot on the road. Threatening the lives of everyone around him or her by blindly weaving and changing lanes. Worst of all, and most dangerous of all, when those behind the said idiot do not know when he will take a turn.

Do not be that idiot. Please. For the sake of everyone involved. A good driver’s first priority is road etiquette. And one of the biggest parts of road etiquette is the turning signal. Indicate where you are gonna turn. Always.

In the immortal words of Shia LaBeouf- “Just do it!”.

Install a dashcam

There is no telling who you will come across on the road. From fender benders to all-out collisions, accidents happen all the time. They are inevitable, unfortunately, like the waves on a beach. Dashcams will allow you to document, for insurance purposes, in the case of an accident.

Erring on the side of caution is better than regretting not doing so.

In conclusion, a safe driver is a good driver. Remember to always plan ahead. Treat your car good and it will treat you good. Use your rearview and side mirrors. Get a dashcam just to be safe. And for the love of God-please use the turn signal.