Unfortunately, according to the World Health Organization, approximately 1.3 million people die in road accidents yearly. This means that learning to drive and understanding driver safety is more important than ever.
If you’re an amateur or beginner driver looking for ways to stay safe on the road, here are 11 driver safety tips to leverage.
1. Extensive Training and Practise
If you’re a new driver, getting plenty of training and practice is vital before driving a car on your own. In addition, the more experience you have, the better you’ll be at handling different driving situations.
You can get training and practice by taking a driver’s education class, going to a driving school, or practicing with a parent or other experienced driver. Here are some tips for proper driving training and practice:
Get a Driver’s License
Before you start driving, you need to get a driver’s license from your state’s DMV. Then, to obtain a permit, you’ll usually need to take a written test and a road test.
Take a Driver’s Education Class
A driver’s education class will teach you the basics of driving and help you learn the road rules. You’ll also get some behind-the-wheel experience.
Go to a Driving School
A driving school will give you more in-depth instruction on driving and will provide you with more opportunities to practice driving. When you’re looking for a driving school, there are a few things you should keep in mind:
- Make sure your state’s DMV licenses the school
- Choose a school that uses modern vehicles
- Look for a school that offers both classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel practice
- Ask about the instructor’s qualifications and experience
Find out the school’s pass rate for the DMV road test. This step determines if the school will meet your expectations.
Take Your Driving Theory Test
When ready, you should schedule an appointment with a reliable provider to take a driving theory test. This step determines how well-prepared you are to hit the road. You should reach at least the 50% mark, which is possible with proper preparation and learning.
You can trust reliable sources like https://www.driverknowledge.co.uk/ for all the resources you need to pass your test.
Practice With a Parent or Other Experienced Driver
In addition to taking a driver’s education class or going to driving school, you should also get some practice driving with a parent or other experienced driver. This will allow you to ask questions and get feedback on your driving.
Make sure the person you’re practicing with is a patient and good teacher. Also, find a quiet place to practice, such as an empty parking lot.
Start by practicing basic maneuvers, such as starting, stopping, and turning. Then, as you get more comfortable with driving, you can move on to practicing more complex tasks. And don’t be afraid to make mistakes.
Get Plenty of Practice
The more practice you have, the better driver you’ll become. So, make sure to get plenty of driving time before taking your road test. If you don’t own a car, you can rent one and practice in different driving conditions.
Ensure to leverage a driving simulator to practice in a risk-free environment during your practice.
2. Get Enough Sleep and Don’t Drive While Drowsy
Drowsy driving contributes to around 100,000 car accidents each year. As such, whether you are driving for short or long distances, ensure you’re well-rested before getting behind the wheel.
You should also avoid driving late at night or early in the morning when you’re likely to be more tired. You are less likely to get into an accident if you are well-rested. But, again, the reason is that you will be more attentive and likely to make sound decisions.
If you must travel, despite not getting enough sleep, perhaps because you were up late at night working or studying, consider public transport, or get a designated driver for the day. You can tell that you are sleepy and not ready to hit the road if:
- Your eyes feel heavy and start to droop
- You can’t stop yawning
- Your head feels like it’s going to fall forward
- You have trouble keeping your head up
If you have already hit the road, you should stop as soon as your driving starts to drift from your lane. You may even swerve or hit the rumble strips on the side of the road. Or, you come to a stop without knowing why or how you got there.
3. Don’t Drive When You’re Angry or Emotional
While you may think you can handle your anger while driving, research shows that even a little bit of anger can hurt your driving. When you’re angry or upset, the emotions will impair your judgment, and you may be more likely to make poor decisions.
A study found that aggressive driving behaviors like honking, tailgating, and making angry gestures increased the risk of getting into an accident nearly four times.
So, the next time you find yourself angry while driving, remember that it’s not worth putting yourself and others at risk. Instead, take a few deep breaths, count to 10, and do whatever you need to calm down before continuing your journey.
4. Obey the Speed Limit
Speeding is one of the leading causes of car accidents, so it’s important to always drive at a safe speed. If you’re in an unfamiliar area or driving in adverse conditions, it’s even more important to obey the speed limit and drive more slowly than usual. Remember, arriving late is better than never arriving at all.
You’re less likely to get into an accident if you’re driving at a safe speed. The reason is that you will have more time to react if you’re driving at a safe speed, thus minimal chances of accidents.
5. Don’t Drive Distracted
If you’re distracted while driving, you may not be able to see hazards in time or react quickly enough to avoid them.
To avoid being distracted while driving, put away your phone and other electronic devices, and focus on the road. Pull over in a safe location if you need to do something that will take your attention away from driving.
Put away your phone and other electronic devices before you start driving. Instead, focus on the road, and don’t let yourself be distracted by anything else. Pull over in a safe location if you need to do something that will take your attention away from driving.
6. Wear Your Seatbelt
It would be best if you never overlooked the importance of a seatbelt for preventing car accidents. Seatbelts are so vital that they’re required by law in most states. Some reasons to always wear your seatbelt are:
Saves Your Life Accident
Wearing your seatbelt is the most effective way to reduce your risk of serious injury or death in a car accident. In fact, seatbelts saved an estimated 14,955 lives in 2017 alone.
Reduces Risk of Injuries
Wearing a seatbelt also reduces the severity of injuries in car accidents. In fact, research shows that seatbelts reduce the risk of serious injury by 50%.
So, always make sure to buckle up before hitting the road. It could be the difference between life and death.
Prevents Distracted Driving
If you’re not wearing a seatbelt, you may be tempted to fidget with it while driving. This can take your attention away from the road and increase your risk of an accident.
7. Don’t Drive Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is extremely dangerous and is one of the leading causes of car accidents. Don’t get behind the wheel if you’ve been drinking or taking drugs.
Alcohol and drugs can both impair your ability to drive. Alcohol slows down your reaction time, which means you may not be able to react quickly enough to avoid an accident. Drugs can also affect your ability to drive, as they can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired judgment.
So, it’s always important to be sober when driving. If you’ve been drinking, have a designated driver who will stay sober and drive you home safely. And if you’re taking medication that could affect your driving ability, check with your doctor before getting behind the wheel.
But what if you got intoxicated unknowingly? There are a few signs that you can look for to see if you’re intoxicated when driving. These signs include:
- Slurred speech
- Difficulty staying in your lane
- Weaving in and out of traffic
- Slow reaction time
- Red, glassy eyes
Do not get behind the wheel if you notice any of these signs in yourself or someone else.
8. Be Watchful of the Weather and Road Conditions
When the weather is bad, driving safely can be more difficult. That’s why it’s essential to be aware of the weather conditions before you start driving so you can adjust your driving accordingly.
For example, if it’s raining, you’ll need to slow down and allow extra stopping time. You should also avoid driving through puddles, as they can cause hydroplaning.
And if it’s snowing or icy, you’ll need to take extra care when driving. You should increase your following distance and drive slower than usual. And be sure to use your headlights so that other drivers can see you.
So, before you start driving, check the weather conditions and adjust your driving accordingly.
9. Keep Distance With Other Drivers
When driving, it’s essential to maintain a safe distance between your car and the car in front of you. This is known as following distance, which gives you time to stop if the other driver brakes suddenly.
The rule of thumb is to maintain a following distance of at least two seconds. However, this may need to be increased to four seconds or more in bad weather or when driving on slippery roads.
You can measure your following distance by picking a fixed object on the road ahead and counting the number of seconds it takes you to reach it after the car in front of you passes it.
So, make sure to give yourself enough space between your car and the car in front of you, especially on the highway.
10. Maintain Your Vehicle’s Condition
Your car’s condition can significantly impact your safety on the road. That’s why it’s crucial to maintain your vehicle regularly and fix any issues as soon as they arise.
For example, you should regularly check your tires to ensure they are correctly inflated and have enough tread. You should also make sure that your brakes are in good working condition.
And if you notice any problems with your car, be sure to get them fixed immediately. Don’t wait until it’s too late.
So, make sure to maintain your vehicle regularly and fix any issues as soon as they arise. It could save your life on the road.
11. Drive Defensively
Defensive driving is a technique that can help you stay safe on the road. Texas Defensive Driving is a course designed to educate drivers on safe driving practices and help reduce traffic violations and accidents. It involves being aware of your surroundings and anticipating what other drivers might do.
For example, if you see a driver weaving in and out of traffic, you should be prepared for them to make a sudden stop or turn. And if you see a driver tailgating another driver, they may be more likely to make an aggressive move.
So, by being aware of these potential dangers, you can be prepared and take action to avoid them. And remember, always drive defensively. It could save your life.
Learn Important Driver Safety Tips to Save Your Life and Others
Unfortunately, car accidents are too common, and most crashes result from driver errors. Most of them are avoidable if drivers would just take the time to learn and practice safe driving habits.
By following the driver safety tips in this article, you can help make the roads safer for everyone. And you may even save your life or the life of someone you love. So please, take the time to learn and practice these safe driving tips. It could make all the difference.
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