Driving a car can be an exciting adventure, but it also comes with a lot of responsibility. Here are a few tips to help you make your first driving experience safe and enjoyable.
Drivers will have to learn to be flexible and to focus on the road rather than on their phones or their GPS system. But once they get the hang of it, they will be safer drivers.
Getting Started
The first time you get behind the wheel, it can feel overwhelming and daunting. But, it’s important to remember that driving is a skill and you will improve with practice.
The best way to start out is by taking lessons from an experienced driver. This will make the learning process easier and less stressful on you.
Ideally, the first few times you drive should be in an empty parking lot so you can learn about the controls and levers of your car without any distractions. Then, gradually increase the amount of practice you do in a safe location that has no other drivers around.
Another important tip is to avoid driving on major highways or interstates when you’re just starting out. These roads can be very difficult to navigate and often feature high traffic.
It’s also a good idea to stick to your familiar neighborhoods for the first few weeks of driving. This can help you learn the routes that are most comfortable to you and minimize stress from navigating unfamiliar streets.
You’ll also want to avoid turning up your music while you’re driving, as this will distract you from paying attention to the road. Listening to music can also take your focus off other important things like other cars on the road and other pedestrians.
It’s also important to be aware of the symbols that appear on your car’s dashboard. These can alert you to issues with your car such as low tire pressure, low oil or a broken wiper blade.
Adjusting the Seat and Mirrors
Adjusting the seat and mirrors properly when driving is essential to staying in control of the vehicle. It can also help you avoid making a mistake that could lead to an accident or injury.
Many new cars have electronic side mirrors that make it easy to adjust them while you are seated in the driver’s seat. Older models may require you to use a lever or manually manipulate the mirrors.
Before driving, take a few moments to adjust your mirrors so you can see the entire rear window from the driver’s seat. This will give you a better view of other cars in the lanes behind you and allow you to spot potential hazards.
Once you have your mirrors adjusted to your liking, test them out by parking on a roadside. Compare the view you see in each mirror and try to determine which one is giving you the most accurate perspective on what’s happening outside.
To get the best view, start by adjusting your left side mirror. Lean a little toward the driver’s side window, and then adjust it so that you can just barely see the other side of your car in the mirror.
Next, adjust your right side mirror to ensure that you can see the whole passenger side of the vehicle, as well. This will give you a better view when pulling over or reversing.
It’s important to remember that even properly adjusted mirrors will not eliminate all blind spots, so it is still a good idea to look over your shoulder before changing lanes or maneuvering your car. Practicing this before attempting any driving maneuver will help you keep track of vehicles and other drivers around you so you can avoid surprises or accidents.
Turning the Car
Turning the car is one of the most difficult maneuvers for new drivers to learn. Even experienced drivers often have trouble turning corners.
When making turns, drivers need to watch out for oncoming traffic and pedestrians. They also need to slow down, signal, and stay in the right lane.
A good place to practice these skills is in a parking lot, or an open area with little to no traffic. This will allow you to practice your maneuvers at a slower speed, which can help you avoid losing control.
Another important tip is to turn the steering wheel only a certain amount at the beginning of the turn. Typically, it will be less than one full circle of the steering wheel.
Drivers who do too much steering when turning are doing a lot of extra work and making it more difficult to make the turn safely. This extra work is called dry steering, and it can cause premature wear on the front tires and other components of the car.
In addition, noise that occurs when you turn the steering wheel is a sign that there’s an issue with your vehicle’s suspension system. This could mean your ball joints or bushings are worn out, and they need to be repaired or replaced.
If you’re having trouble making a safe turn, try looking far ahead at where you want the car to go. This will keep your eyes moving and give you more time to think about your maneuver. It may also help you avoid the bad habit of staring at the pavement in front of the car or the other vehicles in your lane. This can be dangerous and distracting, so be sure to pay attention to your surroundings and drive carefully.
The 3-Second Rule
The three-second rule is a safe driving guideline that can help you avoid rear-end collisions. The rule states that you should always have enough distance between your car and the one ahead of you so that you can react in time if they slow down or stop suddenly.
This is also known as the “safe following distance.” The three-second rule applies at any speed, but it’s best to use it when your vehicle is not in a rush or driving under ideal weather conditions. If you’re driving in heavy traffic, in poor weather conditions or when visibility is reduced, increase the three-second rule to six seconds or more as a safety precaution.
To follow this rule, simply choose a fixed object near or above the road, such as a tree or an overpass, and count in your head, slowly “one, two, three.” If you reach that object before counting to three, you are too close.
Counting the seconds isn’t hard and will become second nature as you use this method more frequently. In fact, if you practice it at home, using a clock or watch, you’ll be able to quickly lock this timing into your brain so that you can remember it when you’re on the road.
Another benefit of this rule is that it can save your passengers’ lives if they are in the back seat and you are involved in a crash. Many tailgating accidents result in injuries to backseat passengers or even fatalities for those who are front-seat passengers.
The three-second rule is also an effective way to avoid tailgating. This driving behavior is a serious problem on the road, especially when it’s combined with aggressive drivers. It can also lead to rear-end crashes that can be very dangerous for the occupants of the other car and the passengers in your own vehicle.
Staying in Control
Keeping your mind and body calm while driving can help you stay in control. Relaxing your muscles, practicing deep breathing and repeating positive affirmations are all ways to help reduce feelings of anxiety.
You can also try to meditate or focus on positive things in your life. For example, if you have a job you love or are close to your family, this can help distract your mind from the stressful things that can happen on the road.
If you are experiencing a lot of stress or worry, you can try to relax and ground yourself by listening to soothing music on the stereo or taking deep breaths. These techniques can calm your mind, help you to feel grounded and less likely to react aggressively to other drivers on the road.
Another way to keep your mind in the present is to drive slowly on icy or snowy roads. This will help you avoid sudden braking and acceleration, which can cause skidding.
When turning corners, take your time and keep your speed lower than posted. This will help you to see other cars and road users ahead of you, as well as make your car easier to control.
It can also be helpful to practice accelerating and braking smoothly. You should use your right foot for the accelerator, and your left foot for the brake.
Drivers who are nervous or overwhelmed on the road are more likely to lose control of their car and end up in a collision. This is because they have a difficult time adjusting to changes in the road and are less likely to predict other drivers’ actions.
If you are feeling angry or sad, try to address these emotions before you set off on your journey. This will ensure that you have the best chance of staying in control and avoiding a collision.