Driving instructors are offering advice to help motorists enhance their skills in various challenging situations. The tips cover scenarios such as managing delays, dealing with road rage, driving in unfamiliar cities, and hiring vehicles.
Gyokhan Zlatev of Derin Driving School highlights that many drivers rush, often refusing to leave home a few minutes earlier. This can increase the likelihood of risky driving. Kev Field of Confident Drivers in Leighton Buzzard suggests that while people crave predictability, adapting to changes like road closures or traffic is key to good driving.
If delayed in traffic, Field advises using hands-free to inform others, while ensuring compliance with hands-free usage rules. Venus Ubah, a Manchester driving instructor, notes that many experienced drivers get too close in traffic, recommending a car's length of space. She also observes drivers running red lights and not signalling lane changes.
In cases of road rage, Zlatev recommends not engaging, avoiding eye contact, and creating distance for safety. Field adds that drivers should stay calm and consider options, such as allowing an aggressive driver to overtake. He also advises against breaking the speed limit due to tailgating, suggesting a three or four-second gap if the car behind is too close.
For those anxious about driving, Field encourages drivers to remain in control of their car and not feel pressured by more experienced motorists. When driving abroad, Ubah suggests researching local road rules, driving sides, speed limits, and signs. Zlatev noted that satnav can be unreliable in some countries, and Field advises pulling over to re-route if lost, rather than attempting it while driving.
When hiring a car, Field recommends understanding all controls before setting off. Zlatev advises adjusting seats and mirrors, and checking lights and wipers. Ubah suggests videoing the car's condition before and after rental. Denise Rawson, an instructor from Bury, Greater Manchester, points out that independent online insurance options are available for hire cars.