If you want to become a better driver then attaining a perfect balance is the key.

You will see and hear the comments of people who watch other drivers. They will say: “Look at him or her. He/she is such a nice person at work, but stick them behind the wheel of a car and they become arrogant and rude!”

There are so many cardinal errors, made on a daily basis, even by the most experienced drivers and the only way to remedy them is by encouraging them to take some form of training.

How often do you hear people complain that driving is stressful? It is having the proper attitude that will help the driver survive in the cut and thrust of today's motoring conditions.

Drivers need to avoid losing their cool. The best driver in the world is not necessary the most skilled, although it helps, but the one who is most relaxed.

There are no hard and fast rules to changing an attitude. Some drivers are either born with it, or can learn to modify it.

However, if the driver makes no effort whatsoever, then nothing will change and they could well become just another statistic. Brashness, or arrogance, will always get a negative response.

Knowing and understanding one’s environment can make the most difficult chore seem easy.

Driving is a highly cerebral activity. It demands that you think, be proactive and take action with sensitivity and good manners.

Remember that there is no point in giving Neanderthal hand signals at some twit who has carved you up at the lights. Such a reaction will achieve nothing, it is far better to anticipate what they will do.

Even if you think they are in the wrong you should do your best to help them pass safely.

Possessing a positive attitude, without arrogance, or cockiness is one of the results of achieving balance in life.

n Terry Plummer, of Drive Train Driver Development Training can be contacted on 01379 740729