Introduction
The first time you get behind the wheel of a car, it can be an exciting and scary experience. You’re not only learning how to drive but also dealing with the laws that govern road use in your state. Plus, cars are inherently dangerous machines that can lead to injury or death if used improperly or incorrectly. Fortunately, there are plenty of things you can do to ensure safe driving from your very first day behind the wheel—and these tips will help!
1. Take a Class
The first step to becoming a safe drivers is taking some courses on driving. These can be taken in person or online, and will help you learn the basics of how to drive safely. Some states require you to complete one of these classes before you can begin learning how to drive, so it’s important that you do so.
If you are required by your state to take a class, there are several different options available for students who need a refresher course or want more practice with driving techniques:
- Defensive Driving Courses – These courses will teach drivers how they can maintain control of their vehicle while avoiding potential hazards like slippery roads or aggressive drivers.
- State-Required Drivers Education – This is an educational component required by most states as part of their licensing process; it teaches students about safe driving techniques and road rules specific
to their home state.* Online/In-Person Courses – These classes vary depending on where they’re offered (some may require prequalification via phone) but tend not only cover topics related directly
2. Get Experience in an Empty Parking Lot
Once you’ve passed your driving test, it’s time to get some experience in an empty parking lot. This is important so that you can become comfortable with what your car will do, which will help prevent accidents later on.
I recommend practicing in a large, empty parking lot first. You don’t want to be practicing in a small space if there’s anything potentially dangerous around like other cars. If there are any cones available at the empty lot where you’re learning how to drive (or even better, if someone is willing to stand at various spots throughout the lot), set them up as obstacles for yourself to avoid and practice maneuvering around them.
This may sound a little silly but this really helps by familiarizing yourself with how far away from objects such as walls and buildings or trees/bushes etcetera while still keeping control over your vehicle!
3. Don’t Ignore Car Maintenance
- Don’t Ignore Car Maintenance
Taking care of your car will not only save you money in the long run, but it can also prevent accidents and make driving safer for everyone. It’s important to check your car regularly for fluids, tire pressure and lights—and that doesn’t just mean headlights! If you’re unsure what else needs to be checked on your vehicle (such as wipers), find an article online that provides a list of things to look out for.
You should also know how to check the brakes on your car: Make sure they are working properly by pressing down hard on them when going downhill at around 30 mph or more; if they aren’t working properly then there is likely something wrong with them.
4. Wear Your Seat Belt
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says that seat belts are the most effective safety device in a car. Seat belts reduce the risk of fatal injury by 45% and the chance of serious injury by 60%. They also reduce your chance of death in an accident by half.
Unfortunately, many people still don’t wear their seatbelt or wear them incorrectly. The NHTSA estimates that as many as one out of three Americans do not use their seat belts when riding in a vehicle — this accounts for around 12,000 deaths every year!
In addition to being one of the best ways to protect yourself and others while driving, wearing your seatbelt is also required by law in every state! If you are pulled over without wearing your seatbelt then you could be fined $25 and given 2 points on your license
5. Don’t Drive Excessively Fast
You should also know that speed limits are there for a reason. If you drive excessively fast, you will be more likely to cause an accident or get pulled over by police. This can result in fines and other legal trouble, as well as consequences with your car insurance company and your car manufacturer (such as getting your vehicle’s warranty voided). The bottom line is: Don’t speed!
6. Avoid Tailgating and Unsafe Passing
- Avoid tailgating
- Avoid unsafe passing
- Avoid unsafe lane changes
- Avoid unsafe intersections
7. Learn to Manage Distractions
- Don’t use your phone while driving.
- Don’t eat while driving.
- Don’t text while driving.
- Don’t apply makeup while driving.
- Don’t change radio stations while driving, unless it’s an emergency (like a song is too loud or there’s a news report that needs to be heard).
This list could go on and on but here are some general tips for avoiding distractions: Avoid reading books or magazines in traffic, because it takes away from the focus needed on the road ahead of you and behind you; when possible, try not to drive at night when it’s harder for drivers to see clearly; don’t put yourself in situations where you might need to multitask with your attention divided between two tasks at once (for example: taking care of children who are crying).
8. Be Prepared for the Unexpected
- Be Prepared for the Unexpected
It’s important to be prepared for the unexpected. This doesn’t mean that you should have a toolbox in your trunk and know how to change a tire, but it does mean that you should have an emergency kit in your car. Whether you hit a deer or get stuck in snow, there are certain things that can happen on the road that will require tools and supplies. If you don’t know how to change a tire or jumpstart your car, learn before leaving home! Other important things to carry with you include:
- First aid kit
- A cell phone charger (and cell phone)
- Warm clothing (such as gloves)
9. Know What to Do After an Accident
Even if you are not at fault, it is important to stay calm. The other drivers may be upset and try to blame you for the accident.
Be sure to get the names and contact information of any witnesses who were in or around your car or theirs, as well as all license plate numbers that were involved in the incident. Take photos of any damage to your vehicle and also their cars—keep them on hand for when you need them for insurance purposes later down the road! Do not admit fault or apologize (regardless of whose fault it was), but do let them know that you are sorry they were involved in an accident. If someone wants to give a statement without legal representation present (or if they ask), politely decline until after an attorney has been consulted first – even if they insist they have proof that they’re right!
Takeaway:
- Be a safe driver.
- Follow the rules of the road and use your turn signals.
- Always wear your seat belt, no matter what.
- Don’t drive when you’re sleepy or tired—take a break if you need it!
- Pay attention to what’s going on around you at all times—don’t text while driving or talk on the phone without using a hands-free headset or speakerphone function (and keep any bluetooth earbuds out of earshot!). It may seem like it takes less time to respond to messages while driving than waiting until later, but don’t fall into this trap—it could cost lives! If someone needs something from you by text message while they’re in another car, tell them how much longer it will take for them to get where they want to go if they stop texting with their friend(s).
Conclusion
These tips will help you to be a better drivers and enjoy your time behind the wheel. Are there any other tips that we missed? Let us know in the comments!
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