Are You A Bad Driver?

When asked, almost everyone will claim they are a good driver, yet the National Highway Safety Traffic Administration (NHSTA) statistics show otherwise.Ever year, 40, 000 drivers are killed in auto accidents.Of these, 98 percent were caused by distracted drivers.

This means that, statistically speaking, most of us would be considered bad drivers.Surprising?Not really.Human behavior alone dictates that people will lean more towards breaking rules than living by them, so why would driving be any different?

However, no one would argue the fact that being a good driver equals being a safe driver but just what is a 'good driver.'

Traits of Good Drivers

Good drivers are often defined by their ability to operate their vehicles and obey the law.

Other positive traits include:

- Car maintenance - a good driver makes sure his car is kept up and in tip top shape.

Things like break pads and tire treads are routinely checked as they can affect the safety of the vehicle.

- Courtesy - a good driver is courteous...he doesn't cut people off and will always concede the right of way when applicable.

- Obeys the laws of the road - a good driver is conscientious of the rules in his city and state and follows them.

- Observant - a driver keeps both hands on the wheel and his or her eyes on the road.By doing just these two things, the driver reduces his own chances of getting involved in a major accident and could avoid a major pile up that may ensnare other, less attentive motorists.

Traits of Bad Drivers

On the opposite end of the spectrum, a bad driver feels he or she is above the law and can do whatever they want.

They often engage in risky behaviors that can be hazardous to themselves and other drivers.

The traits of bad drivers include:

- Speeding - drivers who speed seldom realize that each mile per hour over the speed limit increases the risks of death should a collision occur.

Slowing down decreases this risk and may even enable you to react in time to avoid an accident.

- Cell phone use - there is nothing wrong with having a cell phone but plenty wrong with talking on one while driving.Statistics indicate that individuals who chat on the phone while driving have the same impairment as a drunk driver with a .08% alcohol level.

- Rude aggressive behavior - Aggressive drivers are not only bad drivers but they are very reckless and have no respect for anyone other than themselves.If someone is driving too slowly, go around them.If they flip you off, ignore them.Flashing lights at slow drivers or amping up dangerous behaviors due to someone else's belligerent attitude can end up endangering your life and the lives of others.

- Constant distraction - picking stuff up form the car floor boards or yelling at the unruly kids in the back seat are not activities one should engage in while driving.It is always best in scenarios where your attention will be taken off of the road to pullover rather than to continue driving.

- Poor car upkeep - driving with worn car treads or ignoring obvious break problems makes the car far more dangerous than a car that is routinely taken care of.

If you find that you are bad driver, don't despair.It is never too late to start adopting the traits of a responsible motorist.The trick is to change your mindset.It isn't our god given right to be able to speed or chat on the cell phone when driving - in fact, these things can contribute to a life altering accident.

Indeed, you won't be able to change your driving habits until you realize how potentially harmful they are.Once you do this, you will become not only a safer driver but a more conscientious one as well.

About the Author

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How To Use Cold Calling To Make Business Work

However, most of the work you will do on the telephone will be business to Business calls and if you have warmed up the recipient with a good, personal sales letter, your approach is made much simpler.

I spend a lot of my time on the phone to people. Here are some of the tips and tricks I use to make it a positive experience:

1. Smile Your positive attitude will come through in your voice.

2. Be confident, even if you are rejected

3. Be polite, even if you are rejected

4. Never hang up

5. If you need to conclude the conversation, physically stand up Your body language will have an impact on the call.

6. Never use a script If they dont have one you will die when they ask the wrong question

7. Make the conversation open ended so you have the opportunity of calling again.

8. Listen to them Listen to them Listen to them

9. Dont try to save the world on the first call.

10. Be business-like but personal - make sure you are properly briefed.

11. Dont address the person using their first name - unless you know them well and have a good relationship with them.

Getting through to the right person takes a certain skill. But there are tricks and techniques you can learn to make it happen. Usually the first person you speak to will be the receptionist. Pick their brains In the course of conversation, you can discover who does what in the company and who the key decision makers are.

They will often answer the phone using their first name: "Good morning. My name is Natasha. How may I direct your call" Something like that. Feel free to address them using their first name. "Good morning Natasha. I wonder if you can help me." Make sure you keep a note of their name for your follow-up call.

There are a variety of ways to get through to the right person:

1. "Natasha, I have been in touch with prospects name requesting to tender for project and am calling to track the progress of the project. Can you help" It is unlikely they will have details, so will attempt to put you through to your key person.

2. If they have details, they will let you know so keep a note. Then ask to speak to the person directly, thanking them for their help.

3. If you end up with a voicemail, leave a short, polite message reminding them that you wrote a letter to them requesting to tender for project and ask them if they need further information, leaving your direct line contact details.

4. If you speak directly to the person, apply all the telephone techniques listed above and start to build a relationship with this person. Keep note of the conversation and ascertain more details about the project they are dealing with. Think: you want to offer them a solution not a product. So as they are speaking, use some discernment. What is it that they need more than anything else for this project. What are they looking for in terms of a contractor What are the criteria they think important in this selection.

5. If you only have the first name initial of the key decision maker, it is worth getting the full name of the person for future reference. For instance, if you know the initial is A, then use any name beginning with A when phoning. Say to the receptionist: "Good morning, my name is your name from your company. Could I speak to Alan Evans please" She will say, "Do you mean Andrew Evans" You say, "Oh yes, Im sorry, I meant Andrew Evans." job done

6. When you ask the receptionist if you can speak with this person, it is better to use their whole name: Not: "Can I speak with Mr Evans please." Say this: "Can I speak with Andrew Evans please." This is formal but with a personal touch and gives the impression that you know this person.

So dont be afraid of the dreaded cold calling. Telesales can be challenging, but also a lot of fun if you apply the right strategies.


About the Author

Steve Flashman is a marketing Consultant with a unique edge He is a public speaker published author, recording artist, media broadcaster and communications expert.

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