The “good” drivers

  • They can drive at high speeds in all road and weather conditions without worrying.
  • They can overtake on hill crests and blind corners.
  • They pull out to overtake in a long line of traffic because they are confident that there will be a gap when they need to pull in at the last moment.
  • They can use their phones without it affecting their driving.
  • They can perform donuts, leaving rubber on the road.
  • They don't worry about speed limits- the chances of being caught are pretty slim.
  • They consider pedestrians and cyclists to be nuisances.
  • They rarely use indicators because it is pretty obvious where they are going.
  • They have a relatively short life span.

The “safe” drivers

  • They never have accidents but cause many!
  • They only drive at a maximum speed of 50 kph.
  • They never overtake – because there may be something coming in the opposite direction!
  • They hesitate at junctions until they are 150% certain there is nothing to stop them from turning.
  • They wait at traffic lights until the light is definitely green before engaging gear to start.
  • They go “Tut Tut” (or something stronger!) when anyone dares to overtake them.
  • They never look in their rear view mirrors because who cares what is behind them?
  • They don't worry about the fact that they have left their spectacles at home – they can see well enough anyway.
  • They don't bother about an eye examination – they can see the sun and that is 50 million miles away!
  • They have a relatively long life span.

The “bad” drivers

  • They are few and far apart because they will not accept the fact.
  • They are already dead or do not exist!

The defensive drivers

  • They recognise the other three types of driver and adjust their driving technique to accommodate them.
  • They prepare the car, and their route and allow sufficient time before setting off.
  • They obey the rules of the road.
  • They respect other road users.
  • They do not rush – it is better to arrive slightly late than not at all.
  • They have a relaxed and normal life span.

I would hope in the next article to help you cope with the above and become truly a good and safe driver by utilising 'defensive driving' techniques.

Author

Qualified as an Optometrist specialising in non-spectacle vision correction i.e. contact lenses and laser reshaping.

Commercial plot and flying instructor. Came to Carvoeiro in 2000 and worked in both jobs. Part of a team teaching Defensive Driving techniques in the U.K. - mainly the optical side but also sitting in to listen to the rest of the team.

Now retired but with a great interest in dementia with the fees from this article going to the Alzheimers Society of Portugal.

Roy Carpenter