Lewis Hamilton might be doing well on the track, but for us mere mortals there’s always room for improvement. Be a better driver by following these ten simple tips.

1. Be sure

The most common cause of accidents is not speed; it’s simply a failure of judgement. You think you’ve got room to overtake, don’t think the car coming towards you is going as fast as it is, reckon you can both squeeze by that parked car ...

Train yourself to analyse situations, question your judgement and, most important: be sure. Don’t take risks – if you think you can, but you’re not quite sure, train yourself to wait.

2. Keep your distance

Driving too close is a common fault and a regular cause of accid-ents. Remember: only a fool breaks the two-second rule. Try to look ahead, watch out for brake lights ahead of the car you’re following. This will give early warning of traffic slowing and allow you to back off. Never try to intimidate another driver to get out of your way by ‘tailgating’.

3. Training

Passing your driving test shouldn’t be the end of your training. If you want to improve your driving consider taking an advanced driving course. Track-based training and high-speed driving can be fun and useful. While you’re at it, consider a session in skid control as well.

4. Concentrate

Don’t be distracted. If you have to use a mobile phone in the car, get a hands-free kit. Don’t eat or drink at the wheel and don’t try to tune the radio when you are in the fast lane. Men should always avert their eyes from posters advertising women’s underwear!

5. Stay cool

Don’t be stressed and don’t get angry – both will impair your judgement. You will hit traffic jams, people will cut you up, other drivers won’t always let you in. Being calm and philosophical about it is the only way to come out of it a winner.

6. It’s not a race

Avoid competitive situations and try not to drive aggressively. If you encounter other drivers who are, give them a wide berth. If someone is overtaking you, don’t speed up for any reason, even if you are driving a BMW and they’re in a Lada.

7. Let your car help

Modern cars have many mechanical aids to improve your driving. If you can afford them, they are well worth having. Anti-lock brakes, traction control, electronic brake force distribution, anti-skid control systems and parking aids are all designed to perform better than the average driver could.

8. Keep your car in shape

Always ensure your car is in good order. Worn tyres, incorrect pressures, badly-adjusted brakes, blown bulbs, perished windscreen wipers – all these and more can cause or contribute to an accident.

9. Practice makes perfect

Practise your driving skills. Have you ever had to do an emergency stop in your car? You might one day, so find a quiet road and practise hard braking. Start gently so you learn how the car will behave. Are you nervous about reversing? The supermarket car park at 9am on a Sunday morning is a good place to practise.

10. Read the Highway Code

When did you last read the Highway Code? Probably when you took your test! Get hold of a copy and read through it – some of the advice will seem a lot more relevant when you’ve been driving for a year or two.