Six things that show you’re a good driver

Merging lanes correctly is critical for being a good driver. Merging lanes gracefully is like executing a flawless dance move on the stage – or in this case the freeway. But screw it up and the consequences can be disastrous.

The best practice is to approach the traffic flow you intend to merge with confidently – other motorists can smell your indecision – but not with too much speed and then signal your intention with the car’s indicator as early as possible. Surging in too hot is not recommended, nor is dawdling slowly.

If you want to be a good driver, don’t use your phone. Period. Whether it’s a flip phone, a smartphone or even a dumb phone, just leave it be. Using your phone while driving is like trying to juggle flaming torches while riding a unicycle on a tightrope. Sure, it may sound impressive but in reality, it's a disaster waiting to happen.

Your attention gets divided, your reflexes suffer and you’ll start weaving and possibly swerve back when overcorrecting to sudden stimuli, whether other road users, reflective lane markings and so on. Unless you're auditioning for a comedy show called "Crash and Burn," keep your eyes on the road, not the phone.

Saying thank you is a sign of respect, kindness and above all courtesy and even though you're inside a car, you can still communicate the kudos by giving either a small wave at the wheel while making eye contact or a hand wave towards the rear window.

It’s a genuine sign that you’re a good driver and a gesture of appreciation that spreads goodwill and harmony – something that’s often lacking out on the road. So remember to show your gratitude, and let the road become a stage for mutual respect.

Tailgating not only makes you a bad driver, but it also makes you an unsafe driver. Tailgating is the act of driving very close to the car in front, usually due to a lack of patience or perceived wrongdoing, like not driving fast enough for example.

Maintaining a safe distance behind the vehicle ahead is like giving them a personal space bubble or buffer zone on the road – it’s a vital aspect of being a responsible driver. By avoiding tailgating, you create more space to react should something unforeseen occurs and can prevent the domino effect of sudden stops – or worse, a collision.

A good driver is a predictable driver. By avoiding erratic behaviour and being consistent, other drivers have a clear understanding of what your next action is going to be.

Being a predictable driver is like following a well-rehearsed script in a play – it's a key element in creating safe and smooth traffic conditions. Knowing the next line in a play ensures a seamless show and being predictable on the road prevents surprises and potential accidents.

It might sound silly but many drivers forget to turn their lights on at night and ‘auto-on’ headlights only work if you have them set properly. Turning your headlights on at night illuminates the path ahead for you and alerts others to your position, trajectory and velocity and is crucial to being a responsible driver.

By activating your headlights you improve visibility for yourself and other cars on the road, ensuring a safer journey for everyone. Without your headlights on, it’s a bit like a lighthouse switching off its guiding light, which may see ships scuttled on the rocks.

So how did you go? Did you tick off all six points and score maximum good driver points?

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