5 Ways to Become a More Responsible Driver

One of my favorite ways to see the world is by car, so I always love planning a road trip! As a new driver, you may find being responsible while behind the wheel means always following the speed limit and other rules of the road. While this is definitely important, there are a number of other things that factor into being a responsible driver and vehicle owner.

So, without further ado, here are some other ways that contribute to being a more smart and savvy driver:

1. Never Drive When You’re Distracted

When you’re behind the wheel, your attention should be fully focused on what’s ahead of you, not a variety of other things that may be going on inside of your car. Responsible drivers avoid distractions when they’re behind the wheel.

This means putting your cell phone out of reach and keeping your music at a reasonable volume so you can hear the sirens of emergency vehicles that may be in the area, as well as the audio commands from your GPS, if you’re using one to help guide you to your destination.

2. Obtain Proper Insurance Coverage

Being a responsible driver also means maintaining and carrying proper insurance coverage on your vehicle. Car insurance is mandatory in Canada, so it’s crucial your policy is current and that you keep a copy of it in your vehicle at all times.

If the idea of contacting numerous car insurance agencies to get quotes seems overwhelming, no worries — you can visit a one-stop shop like InsuranceHotline.com, where you can obtain quotes from multiple companies at once. This will allow you to find the most affordable options for your vehicle and budget.

3. Register Your Vehicle in a Timely Fashion

In addition to having insurance, your vehicle must also be registered and your license plate should have updated tags. For instance, residents of Alberta are required to have a vehicle registration certificate in their vehicle at all times.

This certificate includes your name, a description of the vehicle, the VIN and licence plate type. If you have questions about how to register your car, simply Google “car registration in (the name of your province)” and you’ll find plenty of advice on how to take care of this important step in the region in which you live.

4. Always Carry Your Driver’s Licence with You

There may be times when you can’t find your wallet or purse but need to get to work or school. Instead of deciding to locate your licence later and get behind the wheel, you should always carry your driver’s licence with you.

Not only is it the law, but if you get pulled over and don’t have a valid driver’s licence with you, the officer can cite you with an additional ticket. To make it easy to find your purse or wallet, always leave it in the same spot in your home.

5. Stay Home if You’re Too Tired to Drive

Another way to be a responsible driver is to avoid driving when you’re feeling fatigued. If you’re having trouble staying awake, you should definitely not get behind the wheel. Likewise, if you’re feeling exhausted but need to head to work later, take a nap before leaving and allow enough time to “come to” after waking up.
Whenever possible, avoid driving when you’d normally be in bed, and if you have a long road trip to take, take someone with you, so you can take turns driving.

Enjoy Your Time Behind the Wheel!

As you can see, there’s a lot more to being a good driver than making sure you obey the speed limit. By ensuring you always carry proper insurance and registration, keeping your driver’s licence in the car at all times and taking precautions against distracted and fatigued driving, you’ll quickly become a more responsible and capable driver.

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