Getting a driving license is an important step for every teenager to becoming independent and more responsible. However, according to the statistics, people with less experience in driving are more likely to be involved in car accidents. Therefore, be sure to take proper lessons about the laws and rules of traffic. Also, it is recommended to have someone more experienced in the vehicle until you improve your driving skills.
You have to be aware that driving on an open road requires a lot of responsibility, and making a mistake could cause serious accidents. In that matter, always stay concentrated and never drink and drive. Besides that, you should learn the basic rules of driving on roads, like Truck’s No-Zone blind spots. You can visit Zutobi Drivers Ed to find out more about these spots and how to avoid them. Also, we are going to introduce you to some of the most important driving and road safety tips for beginners.
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1. Don’t Use Your Phone While Driving
While some countries have issued penalties for people who get caught while texting or talking on their phones while driving, you should avoid it even in the case that there is no risk of getting a ticket. Most people are constantly checking their smartphones for messages and content on social media, which can decrease the concentration on the road while driving and lead you to a potential car accident. Even a moment of inattention can lead to a disaster. Therefore, avoid using the phone, or at least have a proper hands-free device.
2. Pay Attention to Blind Spots
Checking on mirrors is crucial for safety repositioning on the road, making turns, parking, and other situations. However, you have to be aware that there is always a chance to have another car, people, or objects in your blind spot. Therefore, you should always turn your head to be completely sure that there are no objects in the blind spots. This is especially important when you are turning, changing lanes on road, and more. The best way is to learn more about potential blind spots on your vehicle since every model has issues with this. Also, try to set your mirrors to minimize the chance for any blind spot issues.
3. Never Drink Alcohol Before or While Driving
Even though this is illegal in any country, and people could lose their licenses or even get in jail for being drunk while driving, this is still a serious problem and the main reason for serious road accidents. You have to know that only one glass of wine or beer could affect your focus and the ability to lead to the basic rules of traffic and avoid any risky situations. In that matter, find some alternative to going home if you were drinking. You can always catch a cab or call a safe driver.
4. Always Keep the Headlights On
While turned headlights could only serve you overnight, the benefit of keeping them on all the time is that other vehicles and pedestrians will notice you much earlier. In some countries, having turned headlights is mandatory. Moreover, this is especially important during sunny days, in the mornings or evenings when the sun can easily interrupt drivers, and seeing someone on time can help you to avoid potential crashes.
5. Never Forget the Seatbelt
There is a good reason why wearing a seatbelt is mandatory in every country. Even the slightest bump or crash could lead to serious injuries if you are not wearing them. Also, according to some studies, chances for fatal injuries are ten times bigger without wearing it. Therefore, you should create a routine and put a seatbelt on whenever you enter the vehicle, no matter whether you are a driver or a passenger.
6. Don’t Drive Too Fast
Experts say how people with less experience should always drive slightly slower than the speed limit. We are aware that it might seem entertaining to test your vehicle on an open road and drive it much faster, but you won’t be able to control the vehicle in the case that something goes wrong. Therefore, stay concentrated on the road, and drive according to the speed limitations. Driving fast is one of the main causes of car accidents.
7. Take a Proper Rest Before Driving
This is another issue and reason for crashes. You should know that having an extra Red Bull or coffee won’t be of any help if you haven’t slept for a long time and plan to drive. That is especially dangerous if you were planning to drive some long distance on an open road where a minor mistake could lead to a chain collision. On the other side, if you are feeling sleepy while on the road, you should not risk, and always take a break. If you don’t have time to rent a room in a near motel, you can sleep for at least half-an-hour before you continue.
8. Take Less People with You
We know that it can be an amazing experience when you are driving with your friends while going on vacation. However, the problem is that people can easily lose focus while chatting with other passengers, which can lead to missing some important signs, driving too fast, not paying attention to blind spots, and much more. Also, other people in the vehicle might try to force you to drive faster or to use different paths, which all creates tension and decreased concentration.
Last Words
You should know that your skills are still adapting to the roads in the first period. Besides sticking to all of the traffic rules, you should avoid crowded places, traffic jams, and highways until you reach the point where you can control the vehicle on different occasions. Also, pay attention to the conditions of the roads, which is related to holes, sharp curves, heavy weather, and more. You can save lives by being more responsible while driving. According to the statistics, near 40,000 people died in car accidents in the United States only in 2019.
