What are Some Important Safety Tips for New Drivers?

Every driver goes through a prolonged cycle of learning how to safely navigate the roads. Teenagers and young adults make up the majority of new drivers. Yet, many young motorists get their license relatively quickly. Rushing to drive quickly can be dangerous if the motorist is not fully prepared.

The crash rates among young drivers tend to skew higher than in other age groups. However, young and new motorists should learn about important driving safety tips and how to avoid car accidents. Listed below are some crucial safety tips for inexperienced drivers.

Always Wear a Seat Belt

The first rule a new driver should learn to do is put on a seat belt after adjusting the seat. The seat belt serves as a protective device that has saved plenty of lives in car accidents. The seat belt should sit comfortably across the driver’s body and be buckled securely.

Parents of teenagers just learning to drive should model good seat belt use as well. When they are driving, they should wear their seat belts. The same holds true for when they are passengers. Being diligent enforces the importance of buckling up the seat belt.

Learn How to Properly Accelerate

Young drivers may be inclined to press down on the gas pedal with more force than necessary. This causes immediate acceleration, which can be bad for the engine and also cause the car to bolt forward. Instead of pressing down hard on the gas, drivers should ease into faster speeds. This provides them with more control. It also puts less wear and tear on the car.

Stow Away Cellphones

All drivers should stow away their cellphones. Many parents who are teaching their teenagers to drive either insist that their children either leave their cellphones at home, or require them to put turned-off cellphones in the console or glove compartment.

A cellphone is a tempting distraction. Parents should turn off their cellphones when teaching new drivers, too. That way, the young driver will not hear alerts or even the subtle vibrating sounds indicating a text, email, or alert.

Safe Following Distances

The following distance is the space between a car and the vehicle in front of it. Young drivers should be encouraged to give enough following distance to allow them to react quickly. If the car in front of them needs to brake without warning, they should have enough time to safely brake.

Many young drivers tailgate without realizing how dangerous the practice can be. Easing off by one or two car lengths could avoid a catastrophic crash.

Talk About Street Signs

New drivers must study common street signs and understand what they mean in order to pass their permit test. However, knowing signs on paper and seeing them everywhere while driving are not the same experiences.

Parents should start pointing out relevant streets signs when they drive with their teenagers. This helps the driver understand where to find certain signs, such as ones that hung overhead before traffic lights to illustrate which lanes are turning and which are straight. Over time, new drivers will get accustomed to the variety of street signs and be less likely to miss important ones.

Turn Off the Radio

Seasoned drivers customarily listen to music or talk radio. New drivers should avoid having any additional distractions, including playing their favorite tunes. Although it can seem strange for a parent to sit beside a young driver without playing the radio, it helps the motorist concentrate on driving.

Avoid Inclement Weather

Whenever it is possible, inexperienced motorists should avoid driving in poor weather conditions, such as heavy rainstorms. Alternatively, if they want to get a little bit of experience, they should have a parent drive them to a safe spot, such as an empty parking lot, to practice weather driving. Even experienced drivers can slide during rainstorms. New drivers should be encouraged to remain at home until the weather improves.

Be Mindful of Blind Spots

Every driver has to be mindful of blind spots. Located along the sides of the car, the blind spots must be monitored frequently, especially when turning or switching lanes. Drivers should become accustomed to checking their blind spots, as well as paying attention to vehicles behind and alongside them. Rearview and side mirrors help keep traffic in sight.

Do Not Focus on Food and Beverages

In the United States, drinking a beverage while driving is common. However, it can become a problem for younger drivers. They have enough on their minds without having to pay attention to picking up and putting down a drink. Many accidents have been caused by drivers spilling beverages and food on themselves. New motorists should eat and drink before and after driving.

Know What to Do After an Accident

Getting into an accident can be stressful for any motorist, especially one who has only been driving a short time. Parents should walk their teenagers through the proper steps to take after a crash, including getting the vehicle to a safe spot and calling 9-1-1 for emergency assistance.

Teenagers also need to know where to find their car insurance information, as well as what to say to law enforcement officers. If a teenage driver has been seriously injured during an accident, the family may want to speak with a lawyer before submitting any insurance claims or speaking with adjusters.

Always Make Safety a Priority

Driving can seem overwhelming at first, but it becomes more instinctual and natural with every trip. Young motorists who learn safe, appropriate driving habits can apply these practices on every drive.

Edwardsville Car Wreck Lawyers at The Cates Law Firm, LLC Help Young Drivers Recover Damages After Serious Accidents

Inexperienced motorists should always practice defensive driving, but some accidents are unavoidable. If you were recently injured in a collision, speak to the Edwardsville car wreck lawyers at The Cates Law Firm, LLC today. Call us at 618-277-3644 or contact us online for a free consultation. Located in Swansea, Illinois, we represent clients throughout St. Louis, Belleville, East St. Louis, Edwardsville, Granite City, Waterloo, Chester, Carbondale, St. Clair County, Madison County, Monroe County, Randolph County, and other regions throughout southern Illinois.