If you’re new to driving, it can be a nerve-wracking experience. The good news is that there are some things you can do to keep yourself safe on the road.
First, try test-driving the car on a range of roads. This will allow you to see how it reacts in different situations, and it’ll also let you get a feel for how it handles bumps.
Safety First
Driving a car is a great way to get where you need to go, but it also comes with a responsibility. You must always be mindful of the safety of yourself, other drivers and pedestrians.
Despite improvements in vehicle design and safety technology, road accidents still happen. You should be prepared to deal with them in a variety of ways.
When you are driving, the most important thing is to keep yourself safe and avoid the pitfalls that can lead to a traffic accident. You can do this by following a few simple tips.
Use the 3-second rule – This tip helps you maintain a safe distance from the car ahead of you. By keeping a 3 second space, you will have enough time to stop should the driver in front of you suddenly step on their brakes.
Scan ahead – This tip is a great way to find potential hazards that may cause an accident. By scanning ahead, you can find lane markings that are not well-marked, potholes or other road conditions that could lead to an accident.
This will also help you to be more aware of other drivers and their actions, making it easier for you to stay in control of your vehicle.
Distractions while driving are a common problem, especially for teens. Texting, eating and playing with the radio are all distractions that can put you at risk for an accident.
Make sure to turn off your phone before you get into the car and keep your hands off of anything that can distract you from the task at hand, whether it be the steering wheel or the dashboard controls.
Don’t underestimate the power of the camera on your phone – it can provide valuable information about what you are seeing around you. It will allow you to keep an eye out for red lights, stop signs or other road warnings and take the appropriate action.
The same goes for your mirrors – you can use them to see what is behind you, but they are not as effective as using your eyes.
Keep a Safe Distance
A safe distance is important when driving because it helps to avoid accidents and reduces the risk of rear-end collisions. A safe distance is also necessary to provide enough time to stop if an emergency occurs.
Rear-end collisions are the most common type of automobile accident, and they are one of the most dangerous. They occur when a vehicle rear-ends another while following too closely.
Drivers can determine whether they are following too closely by observing the back bumper of the vehicle in front of them. If the rear bumper passes a road marking or a fixed object such as a tree or lamppost in less than four seconds, you are following too closely and should increase your distance.
According to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, a safe driving distance is two to four seconds behind the car in front. The minimum following distance depends on your speed and the conditions of the road.
The most important thing to remember is that the stopping distance between you and the car in front of you is equal to your reaction time plus your braking time. This is a rule of thumb that you should follow, regardless of your age or experience level.
It is also recommended that you increase your safe driving distance when traveling at higher speeds. For example, if you are going over 30mph and the car in front of you is slowing down, you should be at least five seconds behind them before braking.
When driving during weather conditions that are not ideal, you should increase your safe driving distance even further. Snow, ice, and heavy rain can make it difficult to see other vehicles on the road. You should also try to maintain a safe distance when you are passing other drivers or when they are changing lanes.
Many drivers follow the “three-second rule.” This rule states that you should keep at least three seconds of space between your car and the one in front of you. This is especially true when driving during adverse weather conditions or when you are traveling with other passengers in your car.
Don’t Overthink the Situation
When it comes to driving the wheel, there is a lot of stress associated with the task. Fortunately, there are ways to help alleviate your nerves and keep you in one piece. As we all know, a little common sense can go a long way in ensuring a safe and enjoyable ride. First and foremost is to keep your cool, or at least, your sanity. Next, be sure to check the traffic and weather reports before stepping foot behind the wheel. Finally, make sure you have a reputable insurance company on speed dial. This will ensure you get the best possible rate on the front end and a top notch service on the back end.
Drive Defensively
Driving defensively is a strategy that can drastically reduce your risk of an accident. It involves anticipating potential hazards and reacting quickly to those risks to keep yourself and other road users safe.
Practicing defensive driving is important to all drivers, but it’s especially vital for those who commute long distances or drive with passengers in their vehicle. This practice will not only reduce your chances of an accident, but it can also make you a safer driver overall.
Defensive driving involves thinking ahead to avoid common crashes, such as car accidents caused by inattentive driving, drunk driving, poor weather conditions, and aggressive driving. It also involves knowing when and how to make last-minute adjustments to your speed or direction of travel in order to prevent a collision.
It’s best to always be on the lookout for potential hazards, including pedestrians, cyclists, stray animals, and other drivers on the road. These may be in your path and not immediately noticeable, so you must constantly scan the mirrors, looking well beyond any vehicles in front of you.
For instance, you should always give yourself at least 15 seconds before entering a junction or intersection to check that no other cars are there. That way, you can see if anyone is approaching from the opposite direction and have time to react before an accident happens.
In addition, you should follow the speed limit as closely as possible without exceeding it. This will not only help you maintain a safe distance from other vehicles on the road, but it will also prevent you from cutting off other drivers and creating a dangerous situation for everyone.
You should always create space around your vehicle by following a safe following distance that is determined by watching the front of the car in front of you pass a specific mark on the side of the road. This way, you won’t be surprised to find out that someone is tailgating your vehicle and it will be easier for you to avoid an accident.
Practicing defensive driving is a good way to avoid road rage, which often begins with one person’s behavior and then gets out of hand. It is a bad idea to yell at other drivers or even confront them directly. If you do this, you can be charged with a breach of duty of care.