Avoid ever experiencing that first accident with these New Driver Safety Tips.
So you’ve just got your license and you’re all set to hit the ground running, right? Wrong. You still don’t know all there is to know about driving, especially driving alone for the first time. We are offering some new driver safety tips to get you a little more prepared for the road.
1. CHECKLIST
First, it is important to create a checklist of good habits to start when you first sit in the driver’s seat. It should look something like this:
- Fasten your seatbelt
- Adjust your seat
- Adjust your mirrors
- Check your emergency and turning signals
2. KNOW YOUR VEHICLE
Secondly, the most essential step is to familiarize yourself with your vehicle. Its just you and your car now. The two of you have to become one to react quickly on the road. Find your buttons, lights, signals, etc. Knowing where they are can help avoid distraction on the road.
3. TEST DRIVE YOUR VEHICLE
In following with the second step, you want to test drive your vehicle in inclement weather to know how it reacts. Generally, you may want to start in a parking lot or less crowded roads.
4. CHECK YOUR BLINDSPOT
The Blindspot is exactly that. Its an area just outside of your peripheral vision, and anyone driving in it is risking their safety. Be sure to look over your shoulder, or sit up enough to see your blindspot in your sideview mirrors before turning or changing lanes.
5. DO NOT USE ELECTRONIC DEVICES WHILE DRIVING
In addition, with all the new technology, its very tempting to connect your phone to your vehicle. You may think its cool to answer calls through the car speakers or to play music from your favorite playlists, but this is only convenient for more experienced drivers. To you, its just another distraction. Most importantly, don’t text. I’m sure we don’t need to elaborate on this point.
While there are many other ways to practice safe driving as a new driver, starting with these tips will increase your chances of staying safe on the road.