developing your smart driving skills Take responsibility You, the driver You in the driver’s seat – part 7 What choice would you make? 10 It’s important to know and accept the limits of your driving  abilities and your vehicle. You also need to take responsibility  for developing your driving skills and ensuring your own safety. You’ve been to the garage and now you’re on your way  to your friend’s place. You’re relieved because it seems  you have enough time after all. Then you notice a large  truck ahead that’s going pretty slowly. You hate passing trucks, especially on a narrow road like  this one. Becoming licensed to drive means you are taking on new  responsibilities to yourself, your passengers and other road users. Influences from the media  — think of the images of cars and  driving in ads and movies. Do these images generally promote  safe driving? Influences from peers  — other people can influence your  driving. Your friends may pressure you to drive faster or to race  away from stoplights. You may think it will impress them if you  turn up the volume on your car stereo system. Slow down and stay  behind the truck?  or Try to pass the truck even  though you don’t feel  comfortable doing so?