25 tips that will make you a better driver - page 3

Be vigilant

Driving safely and efficiently is all about anticipating the road ahead and the flow of traffic. When driving on country roads, always observe not only what's happening in front of the bonnet, but what the road is doing as far into the distance as you can see. Are there any hazards like sharp bends, junctions or exits from farms? If so, you'll need to be ready to slow down or even stop.

Around towns and cities, always try to spot traffic slowing down in the distance, rather than focusing solely on the car in front. The same goes for traffic lights; it's inefficient to slow down and accelerate abruptly, so try coasting if there's a red light ahead to save fuel.

Brake fully in emergencies

Modern cars are fitted with advanced anti-lock braking systems (ABS) to distribute brake force evenly between the wheels, so there's far less risk of locking brakes or skidding when performing an emergency stop. As a result, drivers should press the brake pedal as hard as they can in an emergency. 

Research has found many drivers brake too gently in an emergency, increasing the vehicle's overall stopping distance. Braking with greater force can help reduce the severity of a collision, or avoid one altogether.
 

Read on to find out how obeying the speed limit can save you money every day on page 4...