A Racecar Driver’s Top 4 Driving Tips

Driving is a skill that needs to be learned and perfected. Since racecar drivers actually get paid to drive, it would make sense that they are the best drivers around. Therefore, it would also make sense to take driving tips from them. The following advice is from expert racecar driver Alex Lloyd. Even though racecar drivers are known for driving fast, these tips are not about how to drive faster, but they are actually about driving safer.

Look Past the Car Directly in Front of You

If you are like most drivers, you probably just pay attention the car directly in front of you. When he brakes, you brake. When he swerves, you swerve. The only problem with this technique is that it does not allow you to drive as defensively as you need to in order to stay safe on the road. Instead, you should be looking two seconds ahead of you. That way, you will be able to plan ahead for what is coming. If there is a sharp corner or stoplight, you can prepare in advance to make the appropriate changes to your driving.

Drive a Stick Shift

This little trick doesn’t actually make your driving any safer in regards to your skill level. However, it does make you a safer driver because driving a stick requires a lot more concentration. Since you are fully engaged in your driving, there are fewer opportunities for you to get distracted by a cell phone, the radio, or even food. You simply cannot drive a stick shift and do many of the activities that cause so many accidents, so you stay safer.

Become a Smooth Operator

Many accidents are caused by drivers who overcorrect or lose control of their car. The solution? According to Lloyd, you need to drive with smooth hands. This means making movements without any jerks or shakes. This skill does take practice, but when you can keep your steering precise and smooth, your chance of making a bad situation worse greatly decreases.

Put Your Left Foot to Work

Usually, if you drive an automatic vehicle, your left foot simply hangs out while your right foot does all the work. However, you may be able to save yourself some reaction time by using your left foot to brake. (NOTE: Do not use this trick if you drive a manual vehicle.) By keeping your left foot hovering over the brake pedal in times of high traffic conditions you can save yourself half a second of transition time. It may not seem like much, but every half of a second really does count. Three things to note with this tip: 1. You need to practice and perfect this technique before putting it into action. 2. Let your left foot rest on the dead pedal during times of low traffic. 3. Do not ever push the gas and brake at the same time.

When it comes to driving defensively, these tips will help you improve your game. Because there is no such thing as too good of a driver.