01 Jun 07
Some of us drive tens of thousands of miles every year and throw in the odd trackday for good measure; some of us drive down to the Post Office once a week. But we all share the same precious tarmac, we all have to obey the same rules, and we all benefit from good driving - our own and others'.
So what can we do - all of us - to become better drivers? Here's the 4Car Top Ten Tips for being a better driver, compiled using advice from leading drivers, fitness experts, doctors and instructors. It's all simple, do-able advice that we can start following today.
Chilton: 'Look as far ahead as possible'
1. Look ahead
Tom Chilton, VX Racing's 22-year-old spiky haired BTCC maestro, gives this piece of advice: 'Always look as far ahead as possible. This way, it makes everything seem as if it's in slow motion - giving you more time to react.'
You should always scan the road ahead - and behind in your mirrors - to look out for potential hazards, road signs or other road users. The earlier you see something, the more time you have to deal with it.
He meant to do that
2. Ignore your instructor
Remember the lesson when your tweed-wearing instructor taught you the 'push-pull' steering technique and hammered it home every time you made a mistake? Well forget it. Keeping a fixed position on the steering wheel gives you enough movement in most situations. As Chilton tell us: 'Ignore what your instructor taught you - cross your arms on the steering wheel. You're much better placed to correct a skid if you can quickly counteract your original steering input.'
