I want to congratulate you on getting your new driver's record! Obtaining your driver's license is a significant step toward being an independent adult, but it also comes with a load of responsibilities. Always keep in mind that the actions you do while behind the wheel have an impact not just on you but also on everyone person on the road.
When it comes to new drivers, we have compiled a list of the greatest advice that will help you stay safe and have fun while you are on the road.
10 Must-Know Driving Tips for New Drivers
1. OBEY ALL TRAFFIC RULES
It is necessary for drivers to comprehend and adhere to a number of standards, including those pertaining to traffic signs and right-of-way. These include, but are not limited to, adhering to the speed limit, maintaining a safe distance between yourself and the vehicle in front of you, paying attention to and following traffic signals, and wearing your seatbelt. You will be able to enjoy a more comfortable and safe time on the road if you learn and implement the laws of the road, and it will also assist the other drivers around you have a more relaxed and safe driving experience. In addition, according to traffic regulations will assist you in avoiding receiving traffic penalties, which are not only costly but also have the potential to increase your premiums for auto insurance.
2. SLOW DOWN!
According to the government website CDC.gov, "Teens are more likely than older drivers to speed and allow shorter headways (the distance from the front of one vehicle to the front of the next)." It is more probable that any accident and the injuries that result from it will be severe if you are traveling at a greater pace since you will have less time to come to a halt. Over 45 miles per hour, the distance required to stop grows at an exponential rate.
Read also: Defensive Driving Tips And Techniques
3. ENSURE THAT YOUR CAR IS IN GOOD RUNNING DETAILS
If you take care of your vehicle, you may reduce the likelihood of experiencing breakdowns and other types of accidents. Automobile maintenance consists of performing routine oil changes and tune-ups, monitoring the pressure of the tires (don't forget to check the spare!), rotating the tires on a regular basis, checking the levels of braking fluid and coolant, and filling up the gas tank before it gets too near to the letter "E." If you want your automobile to look after you, you have to make sure that it is well maintained. If you are a novice driver, you should avoid adding to the number of unknowns that come with being behind the wheel by putting off maintaining your vehicle.
4. REMEMBER TO WEAR YOUR SEAT BELT
At all times. In addition, be sure that your passengers are also wearing theirs. "Among teen drivers and passengers 16–19 years of age who died in car crashes in 2018, almost half were unrestrained at the time of the crash (when restraint use was known)," according to CDC.gov statistics.
5. STAY AWAY FROM Distractions
It was reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that distracted driving was responsible for the deaths of 2,841 people in 2018. Keep your focus on the road at all times. This precludes engaging in activities such as texting, phoning, eating, channel surfing on the radio, and turning around to engage in conversation with friends who are sitting in the backseat. It is possible for accidents to take place in a single second; but, if you are paying attention, you will have a higher chance of maintaining your safety.
It is recommended that new drivers take the time to prepare themselves for their journey while they are still in their driveway. This is one of the greatest suggestions for new drivers. Before beginning your journey, make sure that any significant contact has been finished or halted, select the music you want to listen to, configure your GPS, and put your phone on the Do Not Disturb mode.
6. Adjust the accessories you are using.
It's not your bling at all. When we talk about making sure that your seat is in a comfortable position, we are also referring to checking all of your mirrors to ensure that they provide you with view of the blind areas in your vehicle. Where can I check? It is expected that a car that is approaching from behind you will begin to emerge in the side mirror at the same time as it is vanishing from the inside rear view mirror. As a piece of advice, especially for those who are just starting out as drivers, be sure you do this before you go behind the wheel of your car.
7. You should not tailgate.
An too close following is one of the most common reasons for rear-end collisions. Just keep in mind the rule of three seconds: If you choose an item on the road ahead of you, such as a sign, a tree, or an overpass, and as the car in front of you passes the object, slowly count "one-one thousand, two-one thousand, three-one thousand." You are following too closely if you get at the thing before the count is finished having been completed.
You should keep in mind that if the driver of the vehicle in front of you suddenly applies the brakes and you rear-end them, it might result in a penalty for you, a lawsuit from the other motorist, and a significant charge from your insurance company.
8. TAKE PRECAUTIONS
In the event of an accident, a breakdown, or any other type of emergency, your vehicle should always have essential driving documents and an emergency kit that has everything you would require for a prolonged period of time while you are in your automotive vehicle. Take the necessary precautions to ensure that you have your driver's license, proof of insurance, and car registration conveniently located. The following items should also be included in a decent emergency kit: water, non-perishable food, an emergency blanket, flashlights, road hazard cones and maybe flares, jumper cables, basic equipment, and a small amount of the oil and coolant that your vehicle requires.
9. LOOK AT THE WEATHER BELOW
The presence of precipitation, wind, and snow may all make driving more challenging and hazardous. Keep your headlights on, reduce your speed, and increase the gap between you and the vehicle in front of you if it is raining outside. Roads that are slippery require a lengthier amount of time to come to a stop, often as much as ten times the amount of time it takes to come to a stop on a dry road. First and foremost, if the weather is too hazardous, it is best to avoid driving on the roads until you have mastered the art of winter driving when the circumstances are too dangerous.
10. DO NOT DRIVE WHILE UTILIZED BY THE INFLUENCE
A person is considered to be driving under the influence if they are under the effect of alcohol, drugs, or having not had enough sleep. It is not necessary for anyone to educate you on the severity of the potential repercussions. Simply said, you shouldn't do it. You may ask a friend or loved one to transport you to the location you need to go, or you could use a ridesharing service.