Maybe you’ve just picked up your provisional license. Perhaps you’ve just passed your driving test. Either way, getting on to the road can be a daunting task due to all the risks that you might encounter as an inexperienced driver. Our cars are safer than they were a decade ago, and the streets have been modified to reduce our chances of getting into an accident, but that doesn’t mean we can drive how we want and expect to come home without a scratch.
Technology will continue to improve and as a result, fewer accidents will occur on the streets. Until our cars can save us from every type of accident we might get into, here are a few tips to get you started to practice road safety. After all, the last thing you want is to be banned from driving right after you get your license!
Never Ever Drink and Drive
It’s a piece of advice that everyone throws around and expects you to follow, and you might feel like you’re completely capable of driving after a drink or two. The reality is that you aren’t, and no one should ever drive while under the influence of any alcoholic substance or drugs. It’s a crime, it can lead to deaths of not only yourself but people around you, and it’s just plain stupid.
If you’ve had even the slightest amount of alcohol, don’t show off to your friends about how much alcohol you can take before falling over. Ask a sober friend to drive (completely sober!) or call for a taxi. If you plan to go out and drink, then book a taxi or assign a friend to be the driver. Yes, it sucks for that person, but it’s better than not being alive the next morning.
Watch Your Surroundings
Be aware of everything around you. If there are distractions, such as a phone call or someone speaking to you, then make sure that you pull over and deal with those distractions before you continue driving. You also need to watch for other reckless drivers. It sucks to end up in an accident because of someone else’s mistake, but you can’t trust everyone to be safe drivers. Consider do you need legal advice for a personal injury claim click here.
Be Wary of Bad Weather
Whether it’s heavy rain, fog, or even a snowstorm, take extra care when battling against the elements. Take every safety tip you’ve learned and stick to them like glue. Drive below the speed limit, pay extra attention to surrounding cars, leave extra space between you and other cars, and pull over if you’re fatigued or tired. Adverse weather can amplify the damage from a car crash, and it’s not unlikely to completely lose control of your vehicle.
Wear Your Seatbelt
Some people think it’s “cool” not to wear it. Those people are foolish. Seatbelts are there for a reason—to prevent you from flying through the windshield when you make an emergency stop or crash. Try to imagine the level of damage you’ll inflict upon yourself by running head-first into a pane of glass. Not a pretty thought is it? Make sure you wear that seatbelt!