5 Important Safety Tips for Beginner Drivers

Safe driving is everyone’s responsibility, but not everyone does their part. Over 40,000 people die annually in traffic accidents, and many of those probably could have been avoided with better driving habits. Safe driving is a lifetime endeavor, but here are some important safety tips for beginner drivers.

Put down the cell phone

This is at the top of the list because it’s the most important. There is no call or text so crucial that it must be answered immediately, so wait until you get where you are going before responding. That amazing breakfast picture that must be posted on Instagram can wait. Most new cars come with hands-free Bluetooth technology, so if a call must be answered, both hands can remain firmly on the steering wheel.

Don’t tailgate

Driving too closely to the car in front of you is dangerous for both cars. If that car should suddenly brake to avoid an accident, chances are that you’ll rear end them if you’re too close. The Two Second rule means that it’s best to stay at least 2 seconds behind the car in front of you. Pick a stationary object on the side of the road, once the lead car passes, it should take the next car at least 2 seconds to pass the same object.

Slow down and stay in your lane

If you’re constantly snaking in and out of traffic, slow down. Weaving on congested roads causes other drivers to slow down to avoid you, causing more traffic. Driving recklessly can also be expensive. The constant braking and accelerating burns fuel, increasing how often you have to buy gas. Speeding is also against the law and could result in a hefty ticket.

Check your blind spot

Every car has a blind spot, and other drivers become invisible when they settle into yours. The blind spot is the area on the left side of every car that can’t be seen by the rear-view or side mirror. It is critical to check the blind spot when changing lanes. When moving to the left lane you should signal, check both mirrors, and look over your left shoulder to make sure it’s clear.

Don’t race to the merge

When two lanes of traffic merge into one, there’s no need to fly up the merge to get a better position in line. You’ll still be stuck in the same slow-moving line of traffic, and all this accomplishes is slowing traffic further. As you approach the merge, slow the car, start to look for a break in the other line, and then slowly slide over.