The best form of accident prevention on the road is not some new gizmo or gadget fitted in the latest models, it is not helmets and elbow pads or even some safety device you can fit in your car.

Have you guessed what it is yet?

That’s right, road experience. Having road experience will help you feel more confident while driving so that your reaction times improve and your concentration gets a substantial boost.

Accident prevention for young drivers is particularly important, and this can easily be achieved by taking part in a defensive driving course. This can help develop the skills and experience necessary to navigate the road with a calm mastery that will greatly reduce the likelihood of being involved in a traffic accident.

One of the main benefits of a defensive driving course is that we usually don’t learn certain skills on the road until they are put to the test and we have to quickly respond to a situation we’ve never encountered; this could be the vehicle in front suddenly braking or a cyclist pulling out of a driveway too quickly. If you haven’t developed these skills early on, how can you feel truly at ease on the road?

A defensive driving course can usually be completed in a single day and will teach you things like the most common causes of road accidents, how to proactively adopt a defensive stance while driving, vehicle stopping distances and much more. These programs are available all over Queensland and help to familiarise you with all of the safety features included in today’s cars, as well as the right and wrong way to respond to certain situations and how to deal with hazardous conditions such as wet or icy roads. After just a few hours, you’ll be able to walk away with a far greater sense of competency and a more thorough understanding of the best attitudes to adopt while you’re out on the road.

The best way to compliment your newfound confidence on the road would be to ensure you’re driving a vehicle that reflects this. A new car which is fully covered by a warranty and that offers the latest and greatest in safety features will be as close as you’re ever going to get to guaranteeing the your safety while driving. Also having a defensive driving course under your belt will certainly go a long way to bolster this sense of security and peace of mind.

Organisations such as Driver Skills Australia, Safe Drive Training and the Mt Cotton Training Centre all offer fantastic defensive driving programs, so for more information, be sure to contact Bartons.

Bartons Bayside has been in trading in the motoring industry since 1945 and has subsequently become one of the biggest and most successful car dealerships in Brisbane. Whether you’re a new driver or a seasoned veteran of the road, regardless of your age, Bartons advisors are always more than happy to provide the answers you’re looking for and will be able to answer any questions you have regarding participating in a defensive driving course.

Buying a new car? Get prepared with all the dos and don’ts  

If you are looking at buying a car, there are a few pitfalls you need to watch out for. You should also have a few questions answered before you even step foot in the dealership. With this handy list, you can easily tick of the dos and don’ts from the comfort of your computer chair!

Do know your budget

It is vital you know how much you can afford before visiting a dealership. If you want to get a car loan, consult with your bank first. If you are using your own money, take into account how much you will have to pay on top of buying the car, such as fuel and maintenance costs. Everything adds up, so be sure of what you want before finding a car that is way out of your budget!

Do have an idea of what you are looking for

Do you need a family car? Do you do a lot of city driving? Do you want a small car or a larger vehicle? All of these questions are also important for finding the right car for you. This will help narrow down your search and define what car model and price range you are looking at.

Do your research

Once you have defined your budget and needs, it’s time to do a little research. Learn as much information about the vehicle you are shopping for to give you the bargaining edge. Consider several vehicles and research the features and accessories available.

Don’t forget hidden costs

The price tag doesn’t necessarily cover everything you have to pay! Be wary of stamp duty, drive away price and extras. If the price on the advertisement is just under your budget, make sure you ask about what the total will be at the end of the day.

Don’t get attached

When you do visit the dealership, try not to get trapped into buying the first vehicle you see. Keep your list of needs and wants handy and take the time to inspect multiple vehicles. It is easy to get attached but to ensure you have made the right decision, it is vital you stay objective and clear about your budget and requirements.

Don’t be afraid to negotiate

Once you have picked out a vehicle, don’t settle on the first price the dealer offers. Try to negotiate. It may seem a little intimidating at first, but negotiating can mean you save hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars and can sometimes result in getting a few extras thrown in the deal.

When visiting a dealership, dress well and act professionally. Be presentable and open to negotiations. Don’t get caught up and try to be objective. With these tips in mind, you’ll be on track to snagging a great deal!

If you are looking for a Brisbane car dealership that is transparent and fair with their prices and service, consider Bartons. Head online to find a dealership near you.