Can you remember when you first learned how to drive and how excited you were? When you purchased that first car you felt a passion for that vehicle because it represented a newfound freedom. You could go places at any time just by getting in and turning the key. But for most Denver drivers, if you’ve been driving for any length of time, your car is just a way to get to work or run errands. The day-to-day commuting in Denver traffic can actually have a numbing effect on drivers.
As someone who gets to drive a new test car every week, there is an interesting thing that I get to experience. It’s just like when you drive that new vehicle off the car lot for the first time. I experience the thrill of driving a new vehicle and getting to learn how it performs and learn its personality. Even my commuting never gets old or boring and I never experience that numbing effect.
With the boredom of driving the same car all the time, there is a real danger of also losing the passion and, more importantly, some valuable driving skills are eroded over time. It happens in personal relationships and marriage too. If we don’t keep that excitement and passion alive, it will erode over time.
So here are a few tips to keep your passion for driving alive and will keep us all safer on our Denver commutes.
1. Don’t drive naked. Always wear a seatbelt. Not just because it’s the law. You are much more likely to survive a serious accident if you are wearing a seatbelt.
2. Stay alert. Remember how careful you were with that new vehicle? You were more aware of everything around you. Drive defensively.
3. Stay focused. Distractions are the leading cause of accidents. Cell phones, food, beverages, radios, can all cause you to take your eyes and attention from driving.
4. Keep your eyes moving. Constantly watch your mirrors and always check your blind spots. Try not to zone out and focus on one spot for more than two seconds.
5. Dance with the traffic. Stay in step with the traffic around you. Don’t go too fast or too slow. Don’t try to enforce the speed limit by driving slower in the fast lane.
6. Think like a team. Everyone really does have the same goal; get to your intended destination safely. Well, maybe not the guy driving the Yugo with the Raiders logo.
7. Learn to drive in the snow. Most Denver commuters grew up driving in a different part of the country. Driving in the snow doesn’t have to be like pulling teeth.
8. Be courteous. Smile, wave, and just relax when you drive. Let the other driver merge in front of you. Practice the golden rule.
9. Don’t drink and drive. Do I really need to mention this one? Yes, it continues to be a huge problem on our Denver roads.
10. Send in your favorite driving tip. This is not an all-inclusive list. Let me hear from you. I will compile the best tips and maybe yours will be included!
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