Question:

Why is it so important to develop safe driving habits?

Answer:

Have you ever tried to break a bad habit?  Most of us have and you know it is NOT an easy thing to do!  It is much easier to develop a good habit than it is to break a bad one!

It is much easier for a new driver to develop good habits than it is for them to break a bad habit later which is why it is so important to develop SAFE HABITS from day 1 as we learn to drive.  Whether you are the new driver, or the parent of a new driver, this is key!

I tell all my students during their first lesson that I will repeat myself a lot!  I warn them that you may think to yourself “Kim, I’m doing that”, but I’ll still repeat myself as I believe that the more you hear it, the faster it helps to develop a habit.  A good habit!!

Some good habits to keep in mind when learning to drive – or as the supervisor of a new driver are:

             1. MIST on all turns.  That’s:

Mirror

Indicator

Shoulder check

Turn

2. Scan at every intersection– that’s left, centre, right – at EVERY intersection

3. Full stops BEFORE the stop line.  Every time.

4. Check your mirrors every 5 – 8 seconds.

             5. Eyes moving down the road 12 – 15 seconds, sidewalk to sidewalk.

It is never too late to develop good habits so if you’ve been driving for a long time and don’t use the above good habits, you can start correcting your bad habits by remembering these 5 important habits that will make you a much safer driver!

Good Driving Habits = Safe Drivers