If you’ve been out on the roads as a PCO driver, you must have noticed that not everyone drives safely. Some drivers speed aggressively and weave in and out of traffic. Similarly, other drivers wander into other lanes without paying attention, make sudden turns without signalling, or follow your car too closely.
All these kinds of drivers are road hazards, causing accidents and collisions on the streets of London. However, while you can’t control other drivers’ behaviours, you can control your own. You can learn to avoid these dangers caused by other people’s driving with defensive driving techniques.
These techniques can help you stay in control of your vehicle and drive vigilantly during your day and night shifts. So, here's what you need to know:
Defensive Driving: Is It Effective?
Defensive driving is a skill that can help you defend yourself and your customers against possible road accidents caused by poor weather, drunk drivers, or drivers. So, if you keep your eyes on the road, you can quickly spot potential hazards easily. Once you've spotted the danger, you can decide how to respond.
It’s an effective technique that can help you perceive the other driver’s intentions on the road. You can't expect other drivers parked in lanes to remain parked at all times or expect them to yield at an intersection, or remain in their lanes all the time. If you do, you'll get caught by surprise and slam on the brakes at the last moment, which may or may not end in a collision.
So, expect other drivers to make mistakes but stay prepared to react and defend yourself. Also, never assume that all drivers are alert and sober enough to follow the rules of the road at all times.
Some Defensive Driving Tips And Tricks
When you drive defensively, you prepare yourself for the unknown and stay ready to react to whatever happens. Here are some defensive driving techniques that can help you reduce risk behind the wheel:
Stay Within The Speed Limits
You must remember that high speeds kill. If you’re speeding on the roads and someone jumps out from the sidewalk into your path, you’ll have a lesser reaction time to stop your vehicle because you were going so fast. So, stick to the posted speed limits and watch the road. It's your responsibility to ensure your and your passenger's safety.
Don’t Depend On Other Drivers
You can be considerate of others but always look out for yourself. Don't assume that another driver will move out of the way and allow you to merge into another lane. Be prepared to react to drivers breaking red lights and stop signs and react accordingly.
Pay Attention To Your Surroundings
Scan conditions 25-35 seconds ahead of you and check your mirrors frequently. You have to keep your eyes moving to keep up with your surroundings. If a vehicle in front of you is speeding aggressively and swerving in and out of lanes, slow down your PCO car to avoid that driver.
Also, if a driver is driving too dangerously and you’re worried that you’re in danger, try to get off the road and pull over safely.
Safety Comes First
Your driving technique should revolve around safety. If you stay focused and attentive during driving, you might avoid other people's bad driving skills and protect yourself, your passenger, and your vehicle on the road.
So, always wear your seat belt when you drive to avoid getting thrown out of the car during a collision. And to avoid a collision, maintain a safe distance from the car in front of you, so you have plenty of time and space to stop your car immediately if the driver in front of you loses control.
Reach Out To The One Of The Most Renowned PCO Car Rentals In London
If you’re looking for a reliable PCO car to help you navigate the streets of London, check out the PCO car fleet at G&M Direct Hire. They’re a reputable PCO car rental firm in London offering electric, traditional fuel-based, and hybrid PCO cars for rent like Nissan Leaf, Toyota Prius Plus, Mustang Mach E, Toyota Prius, Kia E-Niro 2, and many more.
Visit their website today to learn more about their rental application process. Their experts will guide and advise you about the vehicles and their rentals. They’ll also help you register with a ridesharing company if you haven’t already.
Contact them to learn more about their PCO cars for hire and services.
