As a new driver, there is a lot of excitement around being able to bring yourself to wherever destination you want to go. No more waiting for your parents or friends to pick you up or drop you off, driving gives you a little taste of being independent. There is no harm in feeling excited, in fact, the majority of drivers, even the ones who have been driving for a long time, still experience excitement whenever they get on a vehicle and drive.
As a young person who has gained the privilege to drive by obtaining your driver’s license, you must understand that it comes with responsibilities. You should always remember that safety is the most crucial element to consider whenever you are on the road. Your life and the life of other people depend on you being a responsible driver, and this is something you shouldn’t take lightly. Here are some tips for young drivers to help you be safe every time you are driving:
1. Avoid distractions. – With the rise in popularity of social media like Facebook and Snapchat amongst young people and the advancement of mobile technology, distractions while driving are at an all-time high. According to research commissioned by AT&T, 95% of drivers disapprove of distracted driving, yet 71% engage in smartphone activities while driving. As a responsible driver, you should never use your phone while you’re on the road. If you need to answer a call and your vehicle doesn’t have handsfree capabilities, try looking for a place to stop before answering. Avoid taking selfies, even if the one taking it is a passenger.
2. Get to know your car. – Being a novice driver, you should take some time to familiarize yourself with the vehicle that you will be operating. Sit in the driver’s seat and adjust it according to where you’re most comfortable. Check the buttons and identify what they do. Look for the light switches for the headlight, fog light, signal light, and the hazard light. These may seem like little things, but they are essential for your safety on the road.
3. Blind spot. – Vehicles are equipped with mirrors that help you see automobiles behind you, but there is space in your peripheral vision that is outside of its scope; this space is referred to as your blind spot. The blind spot when you’re driving is quite large; it’s big enough to fit a motorcycle or a car that can go undetected until you try to turn or switch lanes and you end up crashing into the other vehicle. It’s best to check your blind spot before making turns or changing lanes when you’re driving. Applying the same principle, do not drive in another driver’s blind spot.
4. Obey traffic rules. – Aside from getting a ticket when you do not follow traffic rules, the more significant consequence is getting into an accident. Speeding is one of the leading contributors to fatal car accidents, and as a new driver, you can avoid this by following the set speed limit of the road where you are driving. Do not feel pressured even when you see other drivers driving pass you on the road; it’s always best to side with caution.
5. Practice makes perfect. – Drive as much as you can to get the practice you need to become a better driver. Do not be afraid of driving in bad weather; instead, use the opportunity to learn how to deal with bad road and weather conditions. Just remember to be extra cautious while driving in rain or snow; a lot of drivers who have been driving for several years still have a hard time driving in these conditions.
Being able to drive opens up the world to you and can bring you experiences you’ve never had before, however, you should always think about your safety, that is the mark of a good driver. If you’re a novice driver involved in a car accident, here are some tips on what you should do after a collision.
Are you a new or young driver involved in a car accident? Contact us at Hogan Injury for expert legal advice.
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