If you are a new driver it’s only natural to feel nervous in the initial stages.
Since you are still getting used to driving on your own, you might hesitate while maneuvering your car in traffic or feel anxious while behind the wheels – feelings that are normal for beginner drivers. With time you will get over your nervousness and improve your driving skills.
There are, however, a few driving tips that can really help you improve your driving skills and feel more confident while driving. To know more, continue reading.
Get Comfortable with Your Vehicle Before You Start Driving
It is important that you feel comfortable with all the controls in your car. In fact, it is a good idea to go through your driver’s manual as a way of doing so. You don’t want to be fumbling with controls while in the middle of traffic – remember, it’s not just your safety, but also the safety of other drivers on the road.
Learn a Few Car Repair Basics
Cars can suffer breakdowns when you least expect it and you don’t want to be stuck on the side of the road in a Tucson summer. So, knowing a few car repair basics can be helpful. Learning about the different warning lights on your dashboard, learning to change the coolant or oil, changing a spare, or even jumpstarting your car battery are all skills that can be extremely useful.
Of course, the best way to avoid facing car trouble of any kind is to make sure you take your car for routine maintenance. Preventive care for your car can help you avoid common repairs and keep your car running in stellar condition for years to come.
Watch Out for Distracted Driving – It Can Kill!
The most dangerous thing that can happen while you are driving is getting distracted. If your attention is diverted even for a couple of seconds, accidents can happen. Even the most experienced drivers can get distracted.
So, while driving, resist using technology (texting, setting your GPS, listening to loud music, and calling) and avoid eating or drinking as much as possible. If anything distracts your attention, then you need to fix it!
Master Parallel Parking and Proper Merging
Two of the toughest things you will need to master when you first start driving are parallel parking and learning how to safely merge with traffic. However, these are skills that you need to have complete control over if you want to become a confident driver.
In the initial stages, it is best to drive around with an experienced driver (a parent, older sibling/relative, or anyone you trust with strong driving skills) who can guide you along.
Driving Under Influence (DUI)
You’ve probably heard this a million times – and yet DUI is still one of the leading causes of accidents and deaths not just in the US, but across the globe. Alcohol should be an absolute “NO” for anyone while driving. If you know you are going to be drinking, arrange for an alternate means of transport.
If you know of family and friends who are in the habit of drinking and driving, impress upon them the dangers and offer to arrange a designated driver for them.
Resist the Urge to Drive Fast and Don’t Fall for Tailgating
As you spend more time behind the wheels, your driving skills improve, and you become more confident. However, confidence can also make you reckless and complacent – you may be tempted to drive fast and drive recklessly.
Tailgating is an urban driving risk – but you are better off ignoring it. You don’t have to speed up just because someone is urging you to! Stick to your lane and speed limits and make sure you maintain the correct following distance between your car and other vehicles.
Always Check the Intersections/Traffic Lights Before Driving
While most people adhere to traffic lights at intersections, some drivers inevitably run through a red light.
If you are waiting at an intersection when the light turns green, make sure all cross traffic has completely stopped before you drive on. Sometimes big vehicles such as trucks or a bus might be slow to stop, or a driver in a hurry could just decide to keep driving even if the lights turn red.
Car Mechanics You Can Trust!
Are you facing any kind of car trouble? Or are you looking for reliable and professional car service? If yes, we can help. Give Accurate Services a call today at 520-620-9129 or schedule an appointment online at your convenience!