Driving Safety Tips For Inexperienced Drivers

When learning how to drive, follow these driving safety tips to stay safe and keep a clean driving record.

Stay Focused

When you are operating a vehicle, driving should be your number one priority. Refrain from doing anything that requires you to take your eyes off the road, like texting, reading, or reaching to the back seat. New drivers should be especially careful to get a proper night’s rest before driving, as lack of sleep is a lead cause of traffic accidents. Allowing your mind to wander can be equally harmful, since your mind can create images in your head which make it impossible to see the road. Driving on open roads can get boring, so try to find things that will keep your mind focused on your number one priority- reaching your destination safely.

Follow Traffic Laws

Traffic laws were created for a reason. Stay within speed limits and make full stops at each stop sign. A rolling stop can get you a traffic ticket and is an unsafe driving practice. Count to three at each stop sign after applying your brake fully to make sure you come to a complete stop. Always wear a seatbelt. Get into a habit of putting it on before you even start the car.

Use Mirrors Correctly

Checking mirrors too often or not enough can cause you to get in an accident. Be aware of what is behind you, briefly glancing in the mirror every ten seconds or so. Check mirrors before changing lanes, but glance backwards as well since there is a small space, called a blind spot, that your mirror can’t show you.

Staying in the Lines

For new drivers, staying in the lane can be difficult at first. To help you keep in between the lines, remember that your gas pedal should remain in the center of the road.

Driving in Bad Weather

Snow, rain and ice can cause your car to slide or hydroplane. When driving in bad weather, don't brake suddenly; apply your brakes gently. Jerking the steering wheel quickly can also result in loss of control. Be deliberate with your actions; try not to get in a situation where you will have to make a sudden brake or turn.

Leave Adequate Space

To keep from rear-ending cars in front of you, leave about 4 seconds space between you and the vehicle in front of you. Test this by starting to count when the car in front of you passes a tree, electric pole or another non-moving object. It should take at least 4 seconds from the time the car in front of you passes until you reach the same object. If it takes a shorter amount of time, slow down until the car is farther in front of you. When at a stop, leave several car lengths between you and the car in front of you. If a car hits you from behind, you are responsible if you are pushed forward into any cars.

Follow these driving tips to have a safe ride!