Speed proves nothing about driving skill

Just what is a good driver?

Most motorists will tell you they believe they are good drivers. But by what standard do they judge themselves and those around them? Many drivers have plenty of complaints about their fellow motorists but rarely offer any self-criticism.

Is it the ability to drive fast, cut through traffic and intimidate fellow motorists that makes one a good driver? My experience makes me wonder how many motorists use these policies as their benchmark for good driving.

It's a human trait to be competitive. Proving oneself to be the strongest, bravest or fastest has always been associated with being a superior human. Many motorists feel that being the fastest driver shows they are the superior driver. If someone passes them, they are not proving they are the best.

But being a fast driver doesn't prove anything about driving skill. On the contrary, it's the driver who knows when not to go fast who has more of what it takes to be a good driver. Even at the race track, it's not always the fastest driver who will be around at the finish to collect the accolades. There are times when slowing down is the smartest thing to do.

Former F1 racer and full time NASCAR racer Juan Pablo Montoya is a good example of this. He possesses excellent car-control skills and speed, but he just didn't know when not to pass or when to slow and save the car. I believe Montoya could still be in F1 if he only knew when not to drive fast.

The same concept applies to driving on our roads. Simply being out in the passing lane zipping past everyone else doesn't prove you're a good driver. This is particularly true at this time of year. Some motorists give themselves an ego boost by passing others when the road conditions are not ideal. The message they're sending is "I'm good enough to take on these conditions and you are not." They're usually quite happy believing this until they end up in the ditch or slam into the back of another vehicle.

I know this because I felt that little jolt to the ego in my younger and foolish years. I was one of the lucky ones who learned this lesson without hurting innocent lives.

So what exactly makes someone a good driver?

It is not how many drivers you cut off that counts, but how many you let in front of you or help to merge in. Being aggressive does not make a good driver. Aggression invites confrontation and rage, which any good driver will try to avoid. A good driver will make things as easy as possible for others on the road, be they cars, trucks, motorcycles, cyclists or pedestrians.

A good driver treats other motorists the way they would like to be treated themselves, with respect and understanding. A good driver will always focus their attention on their driving situation. They know when they should not be driving, whether because of fatigue, illness or bad weather. A good driver knows to drive in the right-hand lane unless passing, not following too closely or driving beside another vehicle.

Be a good driver, be a smart driver, not a fast driver. This would make an excellent New Year's resolution for any motorist.

Ian Law can be reached at

www.carcontrolschool.com.