Learn which are the most common mistakes a new driver is likely to make, and how to avoid them.
Mistake No.1 -Speeding
As an inexperienced driver, it’s tougher for you to judge your speed and how long it will take to stop. While your reflexes may be sharp, your interpretation of situations isn’t as developed as an older driver. It takes time and practice to improve this, so it’s important to slow down and obey the posted traffic speeds.
Mistake No. 2 -Getting Distracted
A number of distractions can keep a driver from noticing and correcting dangerous situations on the road. When you’re talking or texting on a cell phone, eating, or even fiddling with the radio, you are taking your eyes off the road and your attention away from your surroundings.
For example, did you know that sending one text takes your eyes off the road for 4.6 seconds. At 55 miles an hour, this means you’d drive the length of a football field while looking down at your phone!
Distracted driving is a leading cause of deaths to teens. Stay safe and keep your focus on the road.
Mistake No. 3 -Taking Unnecessary Risks
Driving a car has inherent risk, and when combined with poor choices such as speeding through a yellow light, you increase your chances of causing car crashes.
- Neglecting to check your blind spots.
- Not using your turn signal.
- Speeding excessively.
- Driving with under the influence.
- Driving while distracted.
Mistake No. 4 -Failing to Keep a Proper Distance
Teens often overestimate their ability to stop their cars in time. Always maintain an adequate safety margin from the car ahead of you.
The higher the speed, the more braking space you need.
Mistake No. 5 -Not Wearing a Seat Belt
Seat belts play a critical role in eliminating injuries or reducing the severity of injuries you might sustain in a car accident. Sometimes a seat belt even decides who survives a crash. So, buckle up.