Getting your license is one of those rites of passage that means one thing: freedom. You no longer have to depend on anyone else to go somewhere.
More than 15 million people became new drivers over the last 5 years. If you’re joining them, you’re going to be in for a lot more than you realize. There is a huge amount of responsibility that comes with that freedom.
New drivers are more likely to get into an accident. That’s because you are likely to be younger and take more risks than you should.
These tips for new drivers will help you gain confidence behind the wheel and be a responsible driver.
- Know Your Blind Spots
Today’s cars come equipped with cameras and alarms, so you know if a car is nearby. You should still learn how to check your blind spots without them.
The systems on your car can fail and put you in a dangerous situation.
- No Distractions
One of the first things you do when you get your license is taking your friends out for a drive. There’s nothing wrong with that.
A bunch of excited people in a small space at the same time could be a recipe for disaster. You can see that bringardner.com lists distracted driving as one of the main causes of car accidents.
Other distractions include the radio and your phone. Put the phone down. New drivers shouldn’t even use hands-free because it’s another distraction.
- Learn How to Merge
Merging into traffic is one of those things that few drivers do well. Too many drivers stop to wait for a break in traffic. That can cause an accident.
Keep in mind that the onramp is there to build up speed so you’ll merge at the same speed as the rest of the cars.
- Know Car Repair Basics
Do you know what to do if your car breaks down? It’s important not to panic. You should know the steps to diagnose and do basic car repairs so you know exactly what’s going on with your car.
You’ll need to learn how to jump-start a battery and change a car tire. You should also know how to check the fluids of your car, such as the oil and brake fluids.
- Practice Braking
You don’t want to give yourself or your passengers whiplash because you don’t know how to brake. Slamming the gas pedal down and slamming the brakes will wear down your engine and brake pads.
You want to learn how to use your brakes smoothly. Keep in mind that the sensitivity of the gas and brake pedals will vary from one car to the next. You should practice for a bit to get used to it and then drive.
Follow These Tips for New Drivers
As a new driver, it’s an exciting and scary time. You have your license, but you still have a lot to learn about staying safe on the road.
If these tips for new drivers have a single message, it’s that you need to be alert and aware at all times. Good driving takes focus, and you need to limit distractions as much as possible.
Head over to the Auto section of this site for more great tips.