Life Saving Driving Tips for Beginners

The number of people who drive cars has increased over time. However, owning a car comes with many responsibilities, and the top priority should be driving safely.

Because road accidents can happen to anyone, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself and practice the foundations of safe driving. Defensive driving is an essential practice when driving a car that can minimize danger and road accidents.

So, to avoid distractions and help reduce casualties, here are 15 life-saving driving tips for beginners that can help you keep safe while on the road.

Inspect your car before hitting the road

Check your car’s condition before driving, especially when you’re heading for a long drive. Whether it’s a brand new car or a pre-owned one you bought from a reliable used car dealer in Calgary, you still need to inspect before getting in to ensure everything’s working well.

Pay attention when driving

Keeping your focus on the road and staying alert can prevent accidents. Moreover, you must always follow traffic rules because you can’t always expect other drivers to do the same. Lastly, it is also crucial to avoid distractions such as multitasking or using your phone.

Maintain the correct speed limit

Overspeeding is one of the most common road violations. This act is not only illegal, but it also poses a danger to everyone present on the road.

It reduces the chances of responding in time to inevitable circumstances such as animal crossing or another car crashing when you’re driving fast. Therefore, staying at the indicated speed limit is essential.

Put your seatbelt on

Undoubtedly, wearing a seat belt while driving can save your life. It is indeed the most beneficial safety feature in every car. In cases of accidents, wearing a seatbelt can minimize fatal injuries.

Drive slowly during a bad weather

Bad weather such as fog or heavy rain is inevitable, and the safest thing to do is to slow down.

Avoid driving when you’re under the influence of alcohol or stressed

Everybody knows that driving and drinking are dangerous, and alcohol-related crashes and accidents are still common. Stress is another factor. It would be best if you had a free mind to make sound judgments when driving.

Be familiar with blind spots

Always know your car’s blind spots and be careful when doing a maneuver like backing out and changing lanes. Moreover, always be mindful of your rear and side mirrors.

Avoid sudden swerving

New drivers should avoid sudden diversions and turns, as these pose risks and can result in accidents. These can also be distracting to fellow drivers, which can result in accidents.

Be careful when changing lanes

Proper judgment is the key in driving, and this can be tested when changing lanes. Beginners often miscalculate the right time to change lanes as they reduce speed when doing this.

Therefore, you need always to pay attention when changing lanes and don’t forget to check your mirrors.

Give way

Respect others’ right of way all the time. Stubborn drivers are always present, so it is better to give way than risk getting into an accident. Also, avoid blocking the driveway by staying in front of a passageway as it is hazardous.

Keep your distance

Avoid driving too close to the other cars. Instead, allow enough space between you and other vehicles to give yourself and other drivers to react in case of accidents.

Avoid getting items that fall to the floor

As mentioned, you should pay attention and keep your eyes on the road all the time. Therefore, prevent getting distracted from things falling on the floor and avoid trying to retrieve them while you drive.

Always have needed items near you

It would be best to have everything within reach when driving, such as mobile phones, toll fees, passes, etc. This will help you keep your eyes solely on the road.

Keep your headlight on during bad weather

Visibility is poor and risky during poor weather. Therefore, it’s best to turn on your headlights so that other motorists will know you’re there.

Do not attempt to tailgate

Tailgating is an aggressive act that can cause road accidents. Driving close to the rear of another car and flashing your lights and honking can lead to feelings of panic and aggressive behaviour.

Final Thoughts

There are a lot of safety precautions to consider, especially as a beginner on the road. Therefore, it is better to start practicing safe driving. After all, the important thing is you reach your destination safely.