5 signs you’re a good driver - Iseult Gillespie
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Date: 2025-03-21
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Comments and reviews: 20
erikziak1249
Without defining what good means, it is meaningless to talk about it. For a race car, good driver is one who is aggressive and does not brake. For a bus driver, you need a defensive driver who does not take risks. For a firefighter truck you need a driver who can calculate risks and drive fast and confidently a huge heavy machine, with a breaking distance longer than most vehicles. For a delivery company you want a driver who drives fast, on the limits (not just speed limits, but limits to the adhesion of tires when taking corners) to maximize your profit, you even want the driver to exceed speed limits to deliver things faster (of course you do not say it out loud. There might not be a universally good driver. There are many drivers, who drive safely (from their point of view, but they impede with the flow of traffic by unnecessarily slowing down even in situations that do not really need it, like coming to an intersection when you can see from far away how traffic moves and you can anticipate the moment the intersection will be free for you to enter beforehand, but some drivers just do not look that much forward and rely on just slowing down to access the situation afterwards. Which can drive other drivers mad, because they see a slow, defensive driver braking for no reason (from their point of view, which makes them loose their nerves and they become prone to an accident in the next minutes.
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Without defining what good means, it is meaningless to talk about it. For a race car, good driver is one who is aggressive and does not brake. For a bus driver, you need a defensive driver who does not take risks. For a firefighter truck you need a driver who can calculate risks and drive fast and confidently a huge heavy machine, with a breaking distance longer than most vehicles. For a delivery company you want a driver who drives fast, on the limits (not just speed limits, but limits to the adhesion of tires when taking corners) to maximize your profit, you even want the driver to exceed speed limits to deliver things faster (of course you do not say it out loud. There might not be a universally good driver. There are many drivers, who drive safely (from their point of view, but they impede with the flow of traffic by unnecessarily slowing down even in situations that do not really need it, like coming to an intersection when you can see from far away how traffic moves and you can anticipate the moment the intersection will be free for you to enter beforehand, but some drivers just do not look that much forward and rely on just slowing down to access the situation afterwards. Which can drive other drivers mad, because they see a slow, defensive driver braking for no reason (from their point of view, which makes them loose their nerves and they become prone to an accident in the next minutes.
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reptocilicus
Waiting until the end to zipper merge in the example shown is not optimal, and will not work in practice. The right lane is moving quickly. They are required to brake to let someone in at the last second, which causes the people behind them to hit their brakes and slows everything down considerably. If it is known ahead of time that the left lane will be ending, it is best for everyone in the left lane to merge left while going at speed as soon as they are able to safely do so. Then, the right lane will continue moving at speed, and everyone will get through the small opening faster. Everyone in the left lane purposefully waiting until they get to the very end and have to slow down to zipper in only slows everyone down.
If you know ahead of time you will need to merge, and you pass up opportunities to do so safely at speed and rush to the front of the left lane, you are cutting in line and slowing everyone else down.
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Waiting until the end to zipper merge in the example shown is not optimal, and will not work in practice. The right lane is moving quickly. They are required to brake to let someone in at the last second, which causes the people behind them to hit their brakes and slows everything down considerably. If it is known ahead of time that the left lane will be ending, it is best for everyone in the left lane to merge left while going at speed as soon as they are able to safely do so. Then, the right lane will continue moving at speed, and everyone will get through the small opening faster. Everyone in the left lane purposefully waiting until they get to the very end and have to slow down to zipper in only slows everyone down.
If you know ahead of time you will need to merge, and you pass up opportunities to do so safely at speed and rush to the front of the left lane, you are cutting in line and slowing everyone else down.
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Kodack-ki2im
The only sign I'm a good driver that counts is after decades of driving, I've never been in an accident. I've had several close calls caused by other drivers, but I've always anticipated and predicted what they were about to do, before they did it, and I was already avoiding the accident before it happened. I also have the ability to find the fastest way through traffic congestion without being aggressive or driving unsafely, simply by predicting the flow in individual lanes, and knowing when to merge into another lane, or stay in my lane. Lastly, I learned to drive on a manual transmission, and my hatred of constantly shifting due to stop and go traffic helped me develop good lane discipline and giving plenty of space to the car in front of me so that their stop and go behavior, turned into a steady progression without stopping for me and the cars behind me.
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The only sign I'm a good driver that counts is after decades of driving, I've never been in an accident. I've had several close calls caused by other drivers, but I've always anticipated and predicted what they were about to do, before they did it, and I was already avoiding the accident before it happened. I also have the ability to find the fastest way through traffic congestion without being aggressive or driving unsafely, simply by predicting the flow in individual lanes, and knowing when to merge into another lane, or stay in my lane. Lastly, I learned to drive on a manual transmission, and my hatred of constantly shifting due to stop and go traffic helped me develop good lane discipline and giving plenty of space to the car in front of me so that their stop and go behavior, turned into a steady progression without stopping for me and the cars behind me.
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jasonbailey9139
It appears like the video is down playing the importance of the horn. If someone is encroaching in your lane because they haven't cleared their blind spot, it is your only defense. Is it overused Likely, but you shouldn't fear using it if you need to alert someone that you exist and they're about to collide with you.
Now laying on the horn because someone cut you off. that's when you should opt for the relaxation techniques.
Oh, and if you're speeding through a roundabout at 2-3 times the suggested speed, don't lay into the horn because someone cut you off. They committed to entering the roundabout before they could see you and you're the problem for coming around too quickly.
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It appears like the video is down playing the importance of the horn. If someone is encroaching in your lane because they haven't cleared their blind spot, it is your only defense. Is it overused Likely, but you shouldn't fear using it if you need to alert someone that you exist and they're about to collide with you.
Now laying on the horn because someone cut you off. that's when you should opt for the relaxation techniques.
Oh, and if you're speeding through a roundabout at 2-3 times the suggested speed, don't lay into the horn because someone cut you off. They committed to entering the roundabout before they could see you and you're the problem for coming around too quickly.
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Phillia_crochet
I heard from a friend from the US that one can even get a gunshot for cutring of another driver.
In my country, fun ownership is very strict and the traffic is crazy, so being cut off while driving or riding a motorbike and people jay walking is the norm. If one gets angry for being cut off while driving, that person would be completely exhausted driving in my country.
The traffic rule enforcement is getting stricter now. The traffic commuters disregards rules so much that the government employs rewarding people for reporting other people breaking traffic rules (evidneces like videos and photos required, basically having people monitor others and themselves.
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I heard from a friend from the US that one can even get a gunshot for cutring of another driver.
In my country, fun ownership is very strict and the traffic is crazy, so being cut off while driving or riding a motorbike and people jay walking is the norm. If one gets angry for being cut off while driving, that person would be completely exhausted driving in my country.
The traffic rule enforcement is getting stricter now. The traffic commuters disregards rules so much that the government employs rewarding people for reporting other people breaking traffic rules (evidneces like videos and photos required, basically having people monitor others and themselves.
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raflamar4146
My driving instructor kept delaying my drivers test until he said I was ready. When he said I was ready I was confident and passed my first test with distinction
He talked a lot about how people can be impatient to learn to drive, and he's had a few people quit on him because he denied them their tests. But driving instructors aren't the enemy. If they say you're not ready to tackle the test, trust them. Their whole job is to discover the faults in your driving and help you correct them. In my experience keeping calm and carrying on, maintaining patience, is crucial either when driving with an instructor, doing your test, or driving on the road daily.
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My driving instructor kept delaying my drivers test until he said I was ready. When he said I was ready I was confident and passed my first test with distinction
He talked a lot about how people can be impatient to learn to drive, and he's had a few people quit on him because he denied them their tests. But driving instructors aren't the enemy. If they say you're not ready to tackle the test, trust them. Their whole job is to discover the faults in your driving and help you correct them. In my experience keeping calm and carrying on, maintaining patience, is crucial either when driving with an instructor, doing your test, or driving on the road daily.
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oftenlucid
I have a theory. It's the drivers rushing to get somewhere that are slowing everything down. Tailgating and not allowing people to merge so you can maintain one car length ahead slows all of us down. If everyone gave 3-4 seconds distance between cars, used the zipper to merge and didn't take it as a personal assault that someone merged into their lane in front of them, traffic would move smoother and we all could maintain a decent speed. It's antithetical that speeders (selfish people) are slowing us down, but that is my theory and I am sticking to it. .. . signed, and above average driver. : )
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I have a theory. It's the drivers rushing to get somewhere that are slowing everything down. Tailgating and not allowing people to merge so you can maintain one car length ahead slows all of us down. If everyone gave 3-4 seconds distance between cars, used the zipper to merge and didn't take it as a personal assault that someone merged into their lane in front of them, traffic would move smoother and we all could maintain a decent speed. It's antithetical that speeders (selfish people) are slowing us down, but that is my theory and I am sticking to it. .. . signed, and above average driver. : )
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bracket0398
Does this apply to driving in the US Cuz if it does, you forgot about including the small percentage of standard drivers and how spacing competes with that. I purposefully drive a stick shift Wrangler and stop sign or red lights, when I'm first in line to go, tire me out. People that drive auto (mostly everyone here) just lead foots it before I granny shift from first to second and they almost always eat my rear mounted spare. Annyoing as H-E-double hockey sticks!
And no, I will NOT start in second gear to go faster because that's not how the gears were made.
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Does this apply to driving in the US Cuz if it does, you forgot about including the small percentage of standard drivers and how spacing competes with that. I purposefully drive a stick shift Wrangler and stop sign or red lights, when I'm first in line to go, tire me out. People that drive auto (mostly everyone here) just lead foots it before I granny shift from first to second and they almost always eat my rear mounted spare. Annyoing as H-E-double hockey sticks!
And no, I will NOT start in second gear to go faster because that's not how the gears were made.
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Peacekeeper_84
I passed my driver's test on the first try, yet, no amount of training can prepare you for the chaos that is to drive in any crowded city. The amount of shenanigans that happened to me are unbelievable. My best advice to you is to always try to do the right things, follow the rules (even if other drivers don't follow them, stay calm, and be confident. You don't care if the other drivers are angry at you for driving defensively all you care is to reach home safely.
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I passed my driver's test on the first try, yet, no amount of training can prepare you for the chaos that is to drive in any crowded city. The amount of shenanigans that happened to me are unbelievable. My best advice to you is to always try to do the right things, follow the rules (even if other drivers don't follow them, stay calm, and be confident. You don't care if the other drivers are angry at you for driving defensively all you care is to reach home safely.
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tristangillis7365
I routinely see people misunderstand when zipper merging is more efficient, including this video. If traffic is flowing perfectly and you can move over without impeding anyone, zipper merging is absolutely NOT more efficient.
Its efficiency comes when traffic is already slowed or even stopped, as you're going to have to force others to make a gap no matter what. That is where a zipper merge is the most effective merge.
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I routinely see people misunderstand when zipper merging is more efficient, including this video. If traffic is flowing perfectly and you can move over without impeding anyone, zipper merging is absolutely NOT more efficient.
Its efficiency comes when traffic is already slowed or even stopped, as you're going to have to force others to make a gap no matter what. That is where a zipper merge is the most effective merge.
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CritterKeeper01
The only time I honk is if I think the other driver doesn't realize there's a danger. If they cut in too close, and I have to slam on my brakes, they should get that immediate feedback that there was a problem with what they just did. If it's clear they aren't paying attention, a honk can get their attention back on the road instead of their phone. The horn shouldn't be used in anger, but it is there for a reason!
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The only time I honk is if I think the other driver doesn't realize there's a danger. If they cut in too close, and I have to slam on my brakes, they should get that immediate feedback that there was a problem with what they just did. If it's clear they aren't paying attention, a honk can get their attention back on the road instead of their phone. The horn shouldn't be used in anger, but it is there for a reason!
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ted_ed
If somebody says they're a great multi-tasker, I immediately lose confidence in their ability to drive. I've known one too many people like that who have 4-5 totaled cars under their belt.
Also, I've found the most effective way to prevent road rage (for me) is to put on a Grateful Dead live album and just let it play. If I get angry on the road, it only lasts a few seconds until I'm back to jammin'. Roll away that dew.
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If somebody says they're a great multi-tasker, I immediately lose confidence in their ability to drive. I've known one too many people like that who have 4-5 totaled cars under their belt.
Also, I've found the most effective way to prevent road rage (for me) is to put on a Grateful Dead live album and just let it play. If I get angry on the road, it only lasts a few seconds until I'm back to jammin'. Roll away that dew.
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medusagorgon9
Lane closers tend to be an opportunity for drivers further back to 'get ahead'. Which actually slows down the merging process and causes even more accidents. And there is no way I would exit my car to argue over a two second moment. Taking a deep breath might help, but acting as if what just happened isn't the worst thing that has ever happened to you is much better. Get a life and keep it moving.
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Lane closers tend to be an opportunity for drivers further back to 'get ahead'. Which actually slows down the merging process and causes even more accidents. And there is no way I would exit my car to argue over a two second moment. Taking a deep breath might help, but acting as if what just happened isn't the worst thing that has ever happened to you is much better. Get a life and keep it moving.
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ted_ed
People assume they're an above average driver because they only see the mistakes of others and their own excuses
And also if you have a perfect driving standard you're going to try to follow that while someone else might have a different standard.
The weirdest thing I've seen since I've gotten my license is how everyone seems to suddenly be in a massive rush as they get behind the wheel
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People assume they're an above average driver because they only see the mistakes of others and their own excuses
And also if you have a perfect driving standard you're going to try to follow that while someone else might have a different standard.
The weirdest thing I've seen since I've gotten my license is how everyone seems to suddenly be in a massive rush as they get behind the wheel
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jf-jx4ym
These are funny to watch as a grown man.
The psychological speculation is interesting
Maybe driving is subconsciously perceived as a game, competition or such. Iike football or hockey. Or game of whatever.
That's ok. as long as the goals of the game align with safety and some manner of efficiency. Maybe.
That would explain the social acceptance of many types of behaviour.
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These are funny to watch as a grown man.
The psychological speculation is interesting
Maybe driving is subconsciously perceived as a game, competition or such. Iike football or hockey. Or game of whatever.
That's ok. as long as the goals of the game align with safety and some manner of efficiency. Maybe.
That would explain the social acceptance of many types of behaviour.
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darrennew8211
Absolutely practice driving. Find an empty parking lot (say, Wal-mart after closing) and practice in the snow and rain, practice stomping the brakes without losing control, practice stopping with your emergency brake, practice dodging around a parking spot while driving at high speed, etc. 15 minutes of practice will absolutely save you from crashes and close calls.
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Absolutely practice driving. Find an empty parking lot (say, Wal-mart after closing) and practice in the snow and rain, practice stomping the brakes without losing control, practice stopping with your emergency brake, practice dodging around a parking spot while driving at high speed, etc. 15 minutes of practice will absolutely save you from crashes and close calls.
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ms9001
people who think they are good drivers are the one who thinks getting to the destination as fast as possible is the best. this means they will speed, cut people off, run red lights and stop signs and honk at people who are going at the speed limit. i have seen too many of those good drivers
basically people who think they are good drivers are actually the bad one
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people who think they are good drivers are the one who thinks getting to the destination as fast as possible is the best. this means they will speed, cut people off, run red lights and stop signs and honk at people who are going at the speed limit. i have seen too many of those good drivers
basically people who think they are good drivers are actually the bad one
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nobetternickname
I once did a speed awareness course. Even though every person in that room (apart from the instructor) was there because they had been caught speeding, I was the only one who didn't mark myself as an 'above average driver' when asked the question so many people think the ability to drive above the speed limit marks them out as 'special'.
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I once did a speed awareness course. Even though every person in that room (apart from the instructor) was there because they had been caught speeding, I was the only one who didn't mark myself as an 'above average driver' when asked the question so many people think the ability to drive above the speed limit marks them out as 'special'.
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tomaseu
The problem with the zipper merge is that 90 percent of the people in the other lane won't slow down to let you in. Some people purposely tailgate the person in front of them to make sure you have no room to merge. So if you try to zipper merge properly, you'll be sitting there for a while until someone nice enough to let you in comes along.
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The problem with the zipper merge is that 90 percent of the people in the other lane won't slow down to let you in. Some people purposely tailgate the person in front of them to make sure you have no room to merge. So if you try to zipper merge properly, you'll be sitting there for a while until someone nice enough to let you in comes along.
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Nate88isboss
People on the road def think I’m a bad driver cuz it’s a noisy manual jdm but I don’t touch my phone even at red lights and am hyper aware of my surroundings, only 24 so driven 8 years avoided countless wrecks that would have happened without me taking action and hard braking, swerving, or flooring it to get out of the way
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People on the road def think I’m a bad driver cuz it’s a noisy manual jdm but I don’t touch my phone even at red lights and am hyper aware of my surroundings, only 24 so driven 8 years avoided countless wrecks that would have happened without me taking action and hard braking, swerving, or flooring it to get out of the way
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