5 Tips For Young Drivers
#1 Put Your Phone Down
Cell phones draw your attention away from focusing on the road. Due to these distractions, phones are a significant contributor to car accidents, especially among young drivers. The best solution is to put your phone away in a safe place where you would not be distracted by it. Though Bluetooth and hands-free devices make using a phone and answering calls somewhat safer. They still allow for distractions and remove your focus on the road.
#2 Prepare For The Weather
It is important to understand the potential weather conditions you will face on the road. Oftentimes, young drivers overestimate their abilities and underestimate the dangers of potential weather conditions. It is crucial that young drivers slow down to prepare for longer stopping distances and visual impairments like rain and snow.
#3 Adjust All Safety Devices
When driving a motor vehicle, one should be in a comfortable position that allows them to operate the vehicle fully and know their complete surroundings. It is important even if one is going just a short way to adjust the seat, steering wheel, and mirrors. Through properly adjusted mirrors and seats, the driver is able to fully operate the vehicle if any potential hazards were to arise. (We will have a blog post shortly about how to properly adjust your mirrors to enhance road visibility so check back in soon or look a little further down the catalog)
#4 Know Your Surroundings At All Times
This tip goes along with the previous tip. With proper seating position and adjusted mirrors, the driver is better equipped to see the road. Many young drivers get fixated on what is directly in front of them and lose track of what is happening behind them and further down the road. It is important to check your mirrors regularly and expand your visual view of the road.
#5 Practice Driving
The common phrase is “practice makes perfect”. Though one will probably never be perfect at driving, it is key to drive often. Practicing good habits while driving early is a great way to ensure safe habits as you grow older. Many individuals are often scared of certain driving situations and avoid them, but it is important that you safely attempt these fears for they are not always going to be avoidable. So when you graduate from Drivers Edge, continue to drive and learn from those trusted individuals who have more experience on the roadway.