As a new driver getting behind the wheel can be thrilling. Your first taste of freedom with a brand new set of wheels can be intoxicating, but it also is a massive responsibility too. There are over 1.3 million deaths from driving each year worldwide, and car accidents are the eighth leading cause of death right now.
Being a safe and considerate driver means paying attention to how you drive, how other road users drive, and how to care for your car to ensure it is roadworthy. For new drivers, the following tips can be invaluable.
Obey Traffic Rules
Generally speaking, new drivers should be amongst some of the most clued-up people on the road regarding traffic laws. This is because the laws and rules of the road should be fresh in your mind. However, new drivers are statistically more likely to be involved in accidents than experienced drivers. Obeying the traffic laws where you are driving and being confident you are driving correctly can help you to avoid accidents and ensure you are safe on the road. Still, while you cannot control others’ actions and decisions, you can control how you react to them; being a safe driver gives you more time to process and respond to incidents on the road.
Look After Your Car
The better condition your car is in, the easier it will be for you to drive. It goes without saying that you don’t want to drive a car that might likely fail or increase your risk of being in an accident. So being proactive about how you care for your car is vital. You need to know the basics, such as how to top up fluid levels, keep your car clean, the right type of accessories and equipment from CarCareProducts to keep your car running, and what to do in an emergency will be beneficial.
Avoid Distractions
Just because you have passed your driving tests doesn’t mean you are an expert on the road. Regardless of the type of driving test you took or the scores you received, nothing can replace experience on the road, and you can only get this experience from driving. So avoid distractions when driving until you build up time on the road and understand other road users more. Especially in inclement weather conditions such as heavy rainfall, excessive winds, and even driving in snow and fog, even more so if these aren’t common where you live and usually drive. Keep the music down, avoid having too many people in the car distracting you, and absolutely no using smartphones or devices when driving, which will divert your attention from the road.
Be Prepared
Anything can happen on the road, and the majority of accidents are down to one or more persons foolishness or negligence and driving without due care and attention. That being said, you can be prepared for accidents by looking at how you act in an emergency and keeping some vital items to hand to help you should you be involved in or encounter problems and an accident on the road. First, make sure you are with a good vehicle recovery service that can come to your aid; ensure you have a working spare tire and extra oil and water, along with a tool kit to help you change tires or make minor repairs such as changing light bulbs. Emergency car supplies can mean keeping a flashlight on hand, a warning triangle to alert other road users of your predicament, blankets, drinking water, a first aid kit and more.
Being a good driver means being prepared for all eventualities while driving in a manner that can limit the role you play in such incidents and how you react should you encounter them.
