The rate of road accidents in the United States is alarming, which calls for all motorists to exercise the highest degree of caution to ensure their safety and that of other road users. New drivers should especially prioritize safety and caution above all else to keep all drivers safe.
If you or your loved ones ever face such an accident, hiring expert attorneys such as John Yannone becomes important. These experts are well-versed in road accident laws and provide professional help to new drivers in need.
With that being said, let’s take a look at some safety tips for new drivers.
Safety Rules to Keep in Mind as a New Driver
The following rules will help to keep you safe and prevent a collision:
Avoid Speeding
Research has shown that for every mile per hour, a driver has a four to five percent higher chance of being involved in a car crash. When a driver speeds, the risk of a crash doubles.
Center for Disease Control (CDC) data has shown that teenage drivers are more likely to default to keeping a safe following distance and adhering to the posted speed limit. When vehicles moving at high speeds are involved in an accident, it is likely to be fatal. This is because the driver will find it more challenging to control the vehicle at high speeds.
Obey Traffic Rules
One of the main causes of vehicle crashes is the failure of drivers to adhere to traffic rules. But as a new driver, obeying traffic rules is essential. Doing so helps ensure your safety and that of other road users. There are many traffic rules drivers must follow, ranging from adhering to road signs to yielding the right of way.
All these rules, when adhered to by drivers, can help reduce accidents.
Wear Seatbelts
A National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) report has shown that using a seat belt helps prevent severe injuries in a crash. New drivers need to put on their seatbelts at all times. Also, reports from the CDC have shown that 50 percent of teenagers who died in car accidents were not using seat belts.
Parents and guardians should ensure their teenagers and passengers get into the habit of wearing seat belts while driving. Young people are usually impressionable and are more likely to be safety conscious if the primary adult in their lives prioritizes safety.
Aside from deliberately reminding teenage drivers to put on their seat belts before hitting the roads, older adults must also lead by example by always wearing their seat belts when driving.
Invest in Regular Car Maintenance
Cars that are not adequately maintained can develop mechanical faults at any time, leading to breakdowns on the road and, in extreme cases, accidents. New drivers must learn to take care of their cars.
Car care routines include checking for tire pressure, regular oil changes and tune-ups, filling up the gas tank, and checking the coolant level and brake fluids. Doing this routine check before hitting the road may seem like an extra chore, but it is vital for safety.
Do Not Drive Under the Influence
Driving is an activity that requires the highest degree of attentiveness. A driver who is under the influence of drugs or alcohol or stressed out due to sleep deprivation will find it extremely challenging to maintain control of the vehicle.
Teenagers are not permitted by law to consume alcohol. However, this does not mean that some teenagers do not have access to alcohol. Teenagers and new drivers who get intoxicated and need to get somewhere should book a ride-sharing service, call their parents, or find other ways to avoid getting behind the wheel.
For teenage drivers, intoxicated driving is a serious traffic offense that can lead to the suspension of the driver’s license. Other consequences that may arise from driving under the influence are injury and death in the event of a collision.
Avoid Distractions While Driving
An NHTSA report released in 2022 shows that distracted driving claimed more than 3308 lives. So many things distract the driver, including text messages, phone calls, deep conversations with passengers, fiddling with the stereo, and unrestrained children or animals. Reports also show that teenage drivers with their peers as passengers are twice as likely to be distracted.
While driving, try to keep your attention on the road. Avoid anything that can lead to distractions, such as texting, calling, or talking to friends at the back. Failing to concentrate can result in an accident, but concentrating can help you avoid a crash.
Be Prepared
Even though new drivers should adhere to safety rules to prevent accidents, it is ideal to be prepared if it happens. Ensure you carry your means of identification at all times. Other things you should have include your insurance documents, driver’s license, and, if possible, a first-aid kit.
Additionally, you will need to make provisions for an emergency kit. Common items in an emergency kit include flashlights, water, snacks, blankets, coolant, and road hazard cones. These items can come in handy in an accident or a breakdown.
Bottom Line
There is an excitement that comes with driving for a new driver. But, as a new driver, you should focus on safety at all times and ensure you apply these tips to stay safe on the road.
