Getting your license and starting a new driving job can be thrilling. But before you hit the road, you must be aware of several factors affecting your driving. There are risks and responsibilities that every new driver must be aware of. Staying safe while driving can make the roads safer for you and the other drivers.
In this blog, we will learn some important safety tips for new drivers and ways to improve your handling of road rage.
Safety Tips for New Drivers
Always remember to prioritise safety by following the rules and regulations and considering the tips for safe driving. The following are some safety tips for new drivers:
- Always Wear Your Seatbelt: Seatbelts can keep you safe in case of a car crash or any other accident. Wearing a seatbelt is not just important for the drivers, it is also essential for the passengers. Make sure you develop the habit of always wearing a seatbelt and urge your passengers to do the same as well. While the driver and the passenger in the front make sure to wear their seatbelts to avoid being fined by the police, passengers in the back seat avoid wearing seatbelts. It is a known fact that passengers who wear rear seatbelts have a 75% increased chance of survival, with minimal injuries in case of an accident. In India, in a year, more than 15,000 people die in road accidents because of not wearing seatbelts. Wearing a seatbelt is the safest choice and is one of the most essential safety tips for new drivers.
- Avoid Distractions: Distractions can be plenty when you are driving. Mobile phone usage, getting distracted by large billboards on the highways, talking to passengers, and going to pick up things that have fallen in the vehicle are some of the distractions that drivers face while driving. Getting distracted can pose dangers not only to the person driving and those in the vehicle but also to other vehicles and drivers on the road. A distracted driver is thus a threat to others on the road as well, not just themselves. Drivers must always keep their eyes on the road.
- Obey Speed Limits: In India, there are different speed limits for different vehicles, and these also differ in different states. For example, the speed limit for vehicles on expressways is 120 km/h and on national highways, it is 110 km/h. Following speed limits is essential to avoid accidents due to speeding. Most highways and expressways have cameras installed to catch the speed limit offenders. These drivers are then fined.
- Practice Defensive Driving: Defensive driving is another one of the essential safety tips for new drivers. Avoiding distractions, wearing your seatbelts, and obeying the speed limit of an area according to your vehicle are some of the defensive driving techniques that you can follow to remain safe on the road. Every journey on the road must be preplanned to avoid unnecessary trouble and unexpected dangers. Weather conditions can also play a major role in determining your journey on the road. Bad weather can make driving all the more difficult and dangerous, so it is always best to avoid certain pathways and make sure your vehicle is in top condition to avoid impending dangers due to bad weather.
- Know Your Vehicle: One of the most important things for a driver is to know and completely understand their vehicle, knowing it inside out, its parts, and its different functions. It is also important to regularly maintain your vehicle and remember to adjust your headlights for nighttime driving.
- Limit Night Driving: Driving in the night can be extremely dangerous. One of the main reasons for this is limited visibility. The roads aren’t clear and properly visible or illuminated. This can be challenging for new drivers. There is a higher probability of encountering drunk drivers at night, which can pose a second-hand threat to the sober driver. Drivers are also more tired at the end of the day, which could make them distracted and drowsy. This can also be the cause of accidents. Hence, limiting nighttime driving is another of the essential safety tips for new drivers.
- Use Your Turn Signals: While driving, it is essential to follow all the traffic rules, make sure you have your seatbelt on, and avoid speeding and all other things. But another important part of driving is learning how to communicate effectively with other drivers on the road. This is important because you are not the only one driving on the road; you are sharing the road with others, and non-verbally communicating with other drivers can help make sure that the roads are safer and that your actions or moves are clear so that the other drivers can act accordingly.
- Don’t Drive When Tired: The last but not least safety tip for new drivers is not to drive when you are fatigued, as this could lead to drowsiness and make you more prone to distractions. As a new driver, you should be aware that sometimes you might encounter other drivers who display road rage and aggression. It is best to stay calm and collected in such situations and keep a safe distance from other vehicles.
FAQs
- What are the most important safety tips for new drivers?
The most important key safety tips for new drivers include always wearing a seatbelt, avoiding distractions that may occur while driving like phone use, and following the speed limits imposed by the state. New drivers should avoid driving at night due to reduced visibility and should practice defensive driving techniques. Lastly, it is not a tip per se, but an essential one of the safety rules for new drivers, which includes understanding how their vehicle is in and out and its different functions.
- How can new drivers avoid distractions while driving?
New drivers can avoid distractions by staying focused on the road ahead. Distracted driving is one of the most common road accidents, followed by speeding. So, it is essential to avoid being distracted by phones or engaging in conversations that can take the attention away from driving. Another way to avoid getting distracted is by planning your journey and having your GPS properly set before driving.
- What is defensive driving, and why is it important?
Defensive driving is a set of techniques that focus on anticipating potential dangers and driving to reduce risks. Some of the techniques of defensive driving are keeping a safe following distance, respecting speed restrictions, remaining aware of road conditions, and anticipating unexpected behaviours from other drivers. Defensive driving is important because it reduces accidents, improves control in unfavourable conditions, and promotes safer road sharing by allowing drivers to respond calmly and proactively to possible hazards.