How to Drive Assertively

Car owners frequently experience frustrating situations while on the road. Sometimes it's the senior citizen who can't seem to get the pedal to the metal. Sometimes it's heavy traffic. And sometimes it's confusion at a four-way stop. No matter the situation, driving assertively is a safe solution to the woes you face behind the steering wheel. Read on to learn more.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Have confidence. The key to assertive driving is the ability to possess an assured outlook. If you are confident in your skills as a driver, driving assertively will come easily.

2. Know your vehicle. You can't be an assertive driver if you are fumbling for knobs, looking for third gear and craning your neck to find the mirrors. Spend time getting to know your car and you'll feel more comfortable taking control.

3. Pinpoint your destination. Some of the most passive drivers on the road are those who are unsure of their destination. Review directions before you leave home and know exactly where you are going. This way, you avoid dangerous habits like putting on your turn signal prematurely or changing lanes at the last minute.

4. Honor the speed limit. Simply put, maintain the posted speed limit or a few miles above. Society is in a hurry these days. It would be wonderful to slow things down, but most people have kids to feed, dogs to walk and a morning commute to face. Driving at a speed that is significantly lower than the speed limit is dangerous, annoying and unproductive.

5. Maintain control of your car. An assertive driver tests the brakes frequently, has a light grip on the steering wheel and has taken the time to adjust the mirrors and tune the radio before leaving the parking lot.

6. Avoid hesitation. Being wishy-washy about your intentions on the road is confusing to other drivers and can be dangerous. Assertive drivers rarely second guess themselves. For example, if a stoplight is yellow and you are approaching the intersection at a fast speed, glance to the left and right and if you see no danger, go through the light. Slamming on your brakes at the last minute greatly increases the chance of a fender bender.

Tips & Warnings

• Assertive highway driving includes going around slower drivers, even if they are in the left lane. For example, if the speed limit is 50 and you encounter a vehicle that is chugging along in the left lane at 35 miles per hour, go around him on the right. This is a much better option that honking your horn and slowing down other traffic.
• Assertive driving is not road rage. Serious anger, or "seeing red," in a car is incredibly dangerous. Be an assertive driver, but be safe, careful and aware of the frequency with which drivers make mistakes.