by Frank Miller

Created on: August 15, 2008   Last Updated: January 16, 2009

Safe Driving. It's More than Just the Basics

So you've passed the written test and driven around the block with that stone faced testing type person. You managed not to blow any stop signs or get clobbered by another vehicle and now "Stone Face" is writing away feverishly. Suspense builds. Finally, you get the desperately desired "You passed" response!

Yup! The long arm of the law says you now know how to drive. Hmmm. You may have the basics, but your driving journey has only just begun.

If you're going to be a proud, skilled, and most importantly, safe driver, you're going to have to learn more than "just the basics." Driving around the block or down a safe, slow street a few times, just isn't going to get it. Nope! Now you're going to be on the roads with thousands of other drivers, many of whom may not even be as good at it as you already are.

So whatdaya gotta' do now? How do you get from just a basic driver to a truly proficient "road master"? How do you get comfortable and confident at any speed, and with any of the myriad of other drivers you may end up tangling with? Let's make it simple.

There are two basic traits of a really proficient driver. He has experience and she has finely tuned physical driving skills.

Lets start with the Experience thing first because this is the most intimidating problem for the newer driver. You can't just hop out on the road and get ten years of experience. Or can you?

The word "experience" insinuates that one has been through, well experiences! But maybe you don't have to actually experience driving situations to be aware that they can happen. You just have to focus on what can happen and be ready for it. You have to spend a little time thinking about it.

Awareness is an essential part of driving experience. We have to be aware of what's around us.

Learn how to adjust those rear view mirrors and use them constantly. Don't just focus on the car in front of you. Stretch your vision out and Forward Look past that car, as far as you can see. Being aware of what is around you is critical when you're on today's roadways.

Learn to identify Road Hazards. A Road Hazard is something that can quickly turn in to a Road Emergency. They're a lot easier to avoid as Road Hazards than when they become Road Emergencies. Learning to identify the multiple Road Hazards you will face, will be one of the most important driving skills you will ever develop.

Finally (under the "experience" category) is the Anticipation of problems. Learn to anticipate the

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