One of the things you’ll hear over and over again when learning to drive is that you must drive defensively
This isn’t to say that you should always be uptight and on the lookout for an accident. What this means is that you must pay attention to what the other drivers around you are doing and try to predict what they will do. If you can accomplish this, you’ll be able to avoid a lot of fender benders, which is something you really don’t want to happen.
How To Drive Defensively
1 Statistics about Young/New Drivers
Many rookie drivers are involved in accidents as a result of their lack of experience behind the wheel. One of the reasons for the graduated licensing system is that rookie drivers are constantly accompanied by licensed drivers until they are ready to drive alone. The following are some facts about young drivers.
Teen drivers are involved in more than 25% of all car accidents, despite the fact that they make up fewer than 7% of all drivers on American highways. Motor vehicle crashes are the greatest cause of death among young persons aged 15 to 20. Teenagers are engaged in over 5,000 accidents per 100,000, compared to 500 incidents per 100,000 for adult drivers with more experience.
2. Tips of Defensive Driving
There are a few things you should be aware of when it comes to defensive driving, and here are some excellent defensive driving advice for novice drivers. (They are truly beneficial to anyone who drives, regardless of how long they have been doing so.) These pointers will help you know what to do in a variety of situations so that you can safely arrive at your destination.
Tip (1). While driving, never use a cell phone. You will not be paying your whole attention to driving if you are speaking on your phone or sending and receiving text messages, and you will be unaware of what is going on around you. Using a cell phone while driving is extremely distracting, and it should be done only when the car is parked. The following research findings speak for themselves. Before you use your cell phone to make an emergency call, make sure you pull over to a parking lot or at the very least the side of the road.
Tip (2). Keep an eye out for all traffic signs. Many drivers fall out of the habit of doing this, and they wind up speeding or driving the wrong way down one-way streets. If you pay attention to all road signs, you’ll be able to determine the posted speed limit and stay within it, which is an important aspect of defensive driving. Whatever you do, don’t imitate the actions of the motorist in front of you. After all, he or she may not be obeying the regulations of the road, and neither will you, which can rapidly result in an accident. Also, make sure you obey all traffic lights. A single improper turn at a signal light could lead to disaster.in a really bad accident.
Tip (3). Never follow another car too closely. You should ensure that there is enough space between your car and the vehicle in front of you in case you need to come to a quick stop. To learn how to handle following distances appropriately, watch the video: If there isn’t enough room, you’re likely to rear-end that vehicle, and even if the accident was caused by the other driver, your insurance company may boost your premiums and consider the collision to be your fault.
Make sure that your vehicle and the one ahead of you are at least two car lengths apart. You’ll have more room if you need to stop quickly this way. If you’re driving on snow-covered or icy roads, leave considerably more space between you and the vehicle ahead of you because stopping will be more difficult.
Tip (4). Learn to drive in all types of weather. Because terrible weather, or simply driving after dark, can cause a lot of car accidents, it’s recommended not to drive in bad weather or after dark until you’re sure in your driving abilities. Meanwhile, here are some guidelines for driving safely in terrible weather: Until you get more experience, have someone accompany you when driving at night, and practice winter driving where there is no risk of an accident, such as in an empty parking lot. It is preferable to be safe today rather than sorry later.
Tips (5). Allow others to have the right of way. There will be instances when you will come to a four-way stop or other scenarios where determining who has the right of way will be challenging. When you’re in this circumstance, it’s better to simply give other drivers the right of way. If you pull out and someone else pulls out at the same time, you can crash into each other. You’ll still get where you’re going, and you’ll get there safely, even if it takes a few extra seconds to wait.
Getting your driver’s license is a huge accomplishment, and it’s just the first step toward maturity.
Remember that once you’ve obtained your driver’s license, you’ll be responsible for a whole new set of duties.
You are accountable not only for yourself, but also for everyone who is in the car with you at the time you are driving, as well as those who are driving around you.
When you drive defensively, you can be confident that you will always be in perfect control and that you will be able to anticipate what other drivers will do, allowing you to be prepared and avoid accidents.
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