GOOD DRIVING

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32031, 4 July 1969, Page 9

GOOD DRIVING

TPEING an expert driver takes a lot of continuous effort and concentration, safety authorities say. But as in most activities, the top professional can always be recognised by the way he makes everything look so easy and effortless.

A first-class driver moves smoothly and consistently, keeping to his lane, and he signals his intentions clearly

and in plenty of time. He always makes allowances for the conditions, reduces his speed in bad weather, drives within the range of his headlights at night, never allows his lights to blind either those approaching him or those travelling ahead of him, and in heavy traffic he keeps pace with the stream so he neither hampers nor crowds others.

The top driver is always alert and constantly tries to anticipate emergencies, such as a child chasing a ball, or another car failing to give way at an intersection. He watches for road signs, knows the traffic regulations, and cares for his vehicle by making regular checks and dealing with minor defects before they become major faults.

At the same time the top professional driver takes care of himself physically, never drinks before driving, and watches for fatigue. He pulls off the road to rest when he feels tired, and keeps himself in good mental condition for driving by putting his domestic and business worries aside. He must be emotionally stable, and must not “fly off the handle” or use his vehicle to “let off steam.” He is not aggressive, knows that two wrongs do not make a right, and is always ready to give other drivers a “break,” even when they are in the wrong.