Driving can be both exciting and daunting task, especially for beginners. If you have just acquired your license and eager to grab the keys and hit the road, it is important that you thoroughly learn the basics first and consider a few safety driving tips. You need to know that there are lot of possible risks and dangers that you can face when you are on the road. So for all the young drivers, as well as the beginners in driving;
Here are some safety car driving tips that you need to learn before you take hold of that steering wheel.
1. Be confident
If this is your first time driving or you haven’t been driving for a long time just yet, it is natural to feel nervous and tensed. Driving is a bit dangerous and risky but if you allow yourself to be overwhelmed by your fear, then that will be more dangerous. A nervous driver is an unsafe driver. So the first rule that you should remember is that you have to be confident. You need to keep your emotions under control. Listen and learn from your instructor and just enjoy it. Believe in yourself and believe that you can do it.
2. Get comfortable with your car
It does not matter if you are driving a brand new car or a used one. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable with the vehicle you are driving. You should be well familiar with the basic functionalities of that car by learning it in theory before you start driving it. For example, you need to learn what the clutch is for, the different gears you should use and when they should be used, and so on.
3. Stop thinking about what other drivers might think or say
Another important thing you should remember when driving for the first time is what other drivers might think. You need to keep your focus on your own driving and do not mind if some other drivers are flashing their lights if you are on the right speed. For as long as you know that you are doing it the right way and you are not violating any rules, then you should never mind them. Just keep driving safe.
4. Look far down the road
People in general have the tendency to just look directly at what’s in front of them or their vehicles. However, it could be dangerous and a bad driving habit. As early as now, make it a habit to look far down the road instead of fixing your eyes just on the vehicles in front of you or near you.
5. Use all of your senses
It is important that you use all of your senses when you are driving. It is not just your vision that you have to use. You also have to be sensitive with the feel, sound and the smell of the car. Sometimes, you have to observe if there are strange sounds or smell of burning oil and brakes. So even if you want to go full blast on your music, if you are just starting to learn how to drive, it will be best if you stay observant first and focused on your car and on your driving.
6. Stay away from distractions
Distractions come in many forms when you are driving. One is talking on your cell phone but there are many other types of distractions which could also be dangerous. For example, you are eating while you are driving or probably talking with a passenger in your car. While some drivers do these things, it does not mean that they are highly recommended. In fact, whether you are a beginner or have been a professional driver for years, it is always best to stay away from distractions and concentrate on the road.
7. Learn the basics of automotive mechanics
When you drive a car, you don’t have to be an expert when it comes to being a mechanic. However, it is important that you know the basics so that you are ready and you know what to do when your car suddenly breaks down. You need to be aware of the common car problems that could happen on the road and the things you need to do because roadside assistance may not be available all the time.
