11 Quick Safety Tips for New Drivers
If you’re a new driver (or hoping to be), congratulations! Driving is an excellent way to get around and gives you a lot of freedom. But with that freedom comes responsibility. New Driver Programme has listed 11 quick safety tips for new drivers driving and avoiding accidents. Let’s get started!
Here are the 11 Quick Safety Tips for New Drivers:
1. Study for your Test
If you haven’t taken or passed the driver’s test yet, you’ll want to study diligently before jumping into it. Many people are overly confident and neglect to prepare, only to be disappointed by their test results!
TestBuddy.app offers courses to help you with your driving tests, so be sure to take advantage today. Additionally, apps like Routebuddy can help you find routes used for driving lessons so you can practice in these particular areas. You can even record your own routes for other new drivers to use as driving lessons.
Further, there are plenty of tools to help you study when you’re out and about. For example, if you need to read through a PDF document, you can transfer the PDF to your Kindle first
And last but not least, don’t rule out old-fashioned driving lessons. In fact, you could ask for a driving lesson voucher as a birthday or holiday present so you can start learning as soon as you’re of legal age to get behind the wheel.
2. Get to know your car
Before you start driving, make sure you understand how your car works. This includes things like turning on the lights, adjusting the seat and mirrors, finding the windshield wipers, and using the turn signals. You should also be familiar with the controls for things like the radio and air conditioning.
3. Obey the speed limit
It’s tempting to want to go fast, especially when there’s no one else around. But it’s essential to obey the posted speed limit. Not only is it illegal to go over the limit, but speeding makes it more likely that you’ll get into an accident.
4. Don’t drink and drive
It should go without saying, but don’t drink alcohol before or while driving. Even one drink can impair your driving ability, and drinking and driving are against the law in the UK. If you plan on drinking, use public transportation, call a taxi, or have someone else drive you home.
5. Drive defensively
Be aware of other drivers around you and always assume they will do something unexpected. This will help you stay prepared if someone cuts you off or runs a red light.
6. Don’t get distracted
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of accidents, so it’s crucial to keep your eyes on the road at all times. Resist the urge to look at your phone, eat food, or fiddle with the radio while driving. If you need to do any of those things, pull over somewhere safe first.
7. Take your time
There’s no need to rush when you’re driving. If you can help it, avoid being in a hurry so that you can focus on driving safely. This means leaving plenty of time to get to your destination and not trying to squeeze too many activities into one day.
8. Use your seatbelt
Every passenger in a car should be wearing a seatbelt at all times — it’s the law! Besides, wearing a seatbelt significantly reduces your risk of being injured or killed in an accident.
9. Avoid distractions from passengers
Just as it’s important not to be distracted by things inside your car, you must not let passengers distract you. If someone in your car is being disruptive, pull over somewhere safe and ask them to stop.
10. Follow signs and traffic signs
Obeying traffic signs and signals is critical for safe driving. They’re there for a reason! So make sure you slow down when approaching a stop sign, yield when necessary, and come to a complete stop at red lights.
11. Don’t drive when tired
Drowsy driving can be just as dangerous as drunk driving, so it’s important not to get behind the wheel when you’re tired. If you’re feeling sleepy, pull over in a safe place and take a nap or switch drivers if possible.
Driving is a great privilege that comes with a lot of responsibility. By following these 11 tips and using the available resources, you can help ensure that you and everyone else stay safe on the roads. Most importantly, never become complacent as a driver. Remain vigilant about your self-awareness and how you can improve!
Would you like to read more helpful content or access our wide range of learner driver and instructor resources? Visit NewDriverProgramme.com today!
