12 common mistakes new drivers should avoid
Learning how to drive is exciting and nerve-wracking. As you equip yourself with the skills to make traveling easier, you also learn to pay attention to others on the road. Mistakes are bound to occur when learning to navigate a car in new circumstances. However, knowing these mistakes can help you avoid them and become a safer driver. Here are 12 mistakes new drivers make and how to avoid them:
- Ignoring speed limits
Some new drivers feel overconfident once they receive their license and are more likely to overspeed. This can be extremely dangerous for them and others around them. Similarly, some drivers may feel underconfident and drive too slowly. This may also make them prone to more accidents, especially at intersections.To avoid these mistakes, follow the speed limit regulations specified for each area. These limits are decided upon by the state legislature, keeping in mind factors such as pedestrian movement, traffic flow, and roadway design. New drivers must regularly check for speed limit signs and follow them actively and routinely.
- Using the phone while driving
According to the American Automobile Association, distracted driving kills about nine people and injures over 1,000 people every day across the country. Using the phone while driving, whether to text, call, or navigate, is one of the leading causes of accidents worldwide. Here are some tips to prevent phone use while driving:- Keep the mobile device out of sight to prevent any temptation.
- Program the navigation system before starting your journey.
- Pull over to the side of the road and stop at a safe spot if a call or text is crucial.
- When riding with someone, ask them to help navigate, call, or send a message.
- Switch on the driving focus feature on the phone while driving.
- Refusing to wear a seat belt
Fastening the seat belt is essential to ensuring safety during a crash.