Safe Driving Tips for New Drivers
When you first begin driving, there are many traffic laws to be learned and driving skills to be practiced. Because of this, auto accidents are ranked as the leading cause of teenage fatalities. In view of these statistics, it is very important that new drivers learn some techniques to improve their driving skills. Fortunately, there are many things new drivers can do to reduce their risks and increase their safety on the road.
Here are some simple safety tips to help you improve your driving skills to stay safe on the road:
1 – Use Common Sense
Unfortunately, many accidents involving teenage drivers are caused by a simple lack of judgment. In many instances, your common sense is all you need to stay safe while driving.
Although they may seem obvious to you, here are some frequently neglected common sense driving suggestions:
- Check to make sure your vehicle is in good working order before driving.
- Keep up with regular oil changes and other necessary vehicle maintenance.
- Pay attention to other drivers on the road, and be courteous.
- Look both ways before proceeding through an intersection or backing out of a parking stall.
By following these simple driving tips, you can greatly reduce your chances of getting in an accident while driving.
2 – Buckle Your Seat belt
Buckling up your seat belt may seem like another common sense issue, but it is unfortunately something that is very often neglected. Too many drivers forget to use – or simply choose not to use – this simple yet lifesaving safety feature. Seat belts were designed to keep drivers and passengers protected, but they won’t do anything for you if you don’t use them properly.
Always wear your seat belt, even if you are only driving a short distance. This is not only a safety concern, but it is also the law in almost every state. Also, whenever you are in a vehicle with others, make sure that each passenger is wearing a seat belt. This simple step could help to save many lives.
3 – Never Drink or Take Drugs And Drive
Alcohol is one of the major causes of driving accidents. Drug use falls closely behind. To stay on the safe side, never drink any amount of alcohol or take drugs before you attempt to drive. This is not only for your own personal safety, but it is also to ensure the safety of the others on the road and in your vehicle.
The facts show that when a person drinks even a small amount of alcohol, or takes certain prescription or illegal drugs, their judgment can be severely impaired. When you consider that driving requires your full attention, it makes sense that this minor shift in judgment could put you in such grave danger.
To put it bluntly, do not attempt to drink or take drugs that affect your judgment before driving. You have been warned enough that you don’t need to try it in order to believe that it’s a bad idea.
4 – Learn and Obey The Rules Of The Road
When you get behind the wheel of a thousand pound vehicle, you are putting yourself and others at risk. One of the best things you can do to stay safe on the road is to follow the rules. However, in order for you to follow the rules, you need to be willing to learn what they are. Take the steps necessary for you to learn the local traffic laws so that you can be a safe and responsible driver. This will not only save you a lot of money in traffic citations, but it will also help to reduce your risks while driving.
5 – Minimize Distractions and Focus On Driving
One of the major problems facing new drivers is overconfidence. Don’t fall into this trap. Although you might be able to text and do your homework at the same time, you shouldn’t be attempting to multitask while you are driving. Looking away from the road for a single second could cause you to get into a major car wreck.
To help prevent dangerous accidents, try to keep distractions at a minimum and focus your entire attention on the task of driving.
7 – Never Text and Drive
Texting and other data use while driving is very dangerous. This activity is roughly 6 times more likely to cause an accident than driving while intoxicated. According to the US Department of Transportation, sending or receiving a text takes the driver’s eyes away from the road for an average of 4.6 seconds which, at 55 MPH, is equivalent to driving the length of a football field blind. To help prevent dangerous accidents, try to keep distractions at a minimum and focus your entire attention on the task of driving.
Whether you are a brand new driver or very experienced, by following these simple safety tips you can help to prevent a variety of driving accidents and stay safe on the road.