As you begin to explore the newfound freedoms that driving can bring, one can experience a flood of mixed emotions. Whether you have your learner’s permit, or you have just received your driver’s license with full privileges, the excitement and fear of such responsibility can be overwhelming. Here is a bit of advice that can steer you in the right direction and help build your confidence on the road.

 

Memorize the Rules of the Road

 

There are a lot of rules when it comes to driving. You must know how to operate the vehicle, what road signs mean, how to change lanes, who has the right of way, and so much more. You’ll have to memorize most of it, along with the various conditions that may slightly adjust some of those rules. Even if you passed your driving test with flying colors, situations will continue to come up throughout the driving experience that put you on the spot. Reviewing the rules occasionally after you’ve received your license can help. Especially if you are ever going to travel to another state or country.

 

Always Put Safety First

 

One of the biggest reasons that new drivers can be nervous about getting on the road is the possibility of accidents. This is a very real concern. According to the National Safety Council, more than 40,000 people lost their lives in 2017 due to car wrecks. Although we often call wrecks “accidents,” many of them are quite preventable. Here are three critical safety tips to avoid accidents:

 

• Pay attention. Don’t text and don’t read texts. Your only focus while driving should be the road, your vehicle, and the elements around you. The elements around you include other drivers, pedestrians, possible road debris, and anything that can affect you or those around you.
• Never drive impaired. Many things can impair your ability to drive and make it more difficult to react while behind the wheel. These can include lack of sleep, over-the-counter or prescription medications, drugs, and alcohol. Make the right choice so that you can stay in control.
• Don’t speed. Vehicles are heavy, even small ones. The faster you go, the harder it will be to safely stop. Always drive the speed limit and don’t tailgate. This will help you avoid a collision should someone stop in front of you suddenly.

 

Practice, Then Practice More

 

Practice may not make you completely safe at driving since we all make mistakes, but it will definitely help. The following practice suggestions can allow you to get braver before getting onto busy highways gradually.

 

• Drive in an empty area away from other cars, like a large parking lot.
• Find a back road with a lower speed limit that doesn’t have much traffic.
• Choose a timeframe to practice outside of your area’s busiest hours.

 

 

Know Your Vehicle

 

There are numerous features on today’s vehicles that can affect a driver’s comfort level. Be sure that you have read the manufacturer’s manual. An unfamiliar feature can create uncertainty. Get to know where buttons an switches are like headlights and windshield wipers. Know what waring lights mean, so you aren’t surprised when your dashboard lights up.

 

Choose Passengers Wisely

 

It may seem like fun to be the friend with driving privileges. However, time in your car should be focused on driving. Avoid having friends as passengers until your confidence in your driving abilities is stronger.

 

Stay Aware of the Weather

 

Rain, snow, ice, and wind can make an otherwise uneventful car ride into one filled with potential dangers. To overcome insecurities in bad weather:

 

• Follow the weather forecasts for your area.
• Practice in a safe area during rain when you have plenty of time to focus.
• Know your car’s tendencies in poor driving conditions.
• Check out our Winter Driving Tips for more information about driving during extreme conditions.

 

Familiarize Yourself with Driving Routes

 

Don’t wait until you are on the road to figure out where you are going. Look up the location ahead of time on a map (like Google Maps) and plan your route. Keep in mind that road closures aren’t always shown on maps, driving apps, or GPS systems. If you have a regular place you’ll be driving to, get familiar with another route in case of accidents or construction zones.

 

Developing good habits takes time. But when you put safety first, you can head toward many years of enjoyable driving.

 

To learn more about becoming a more confident driver, contact the professionals with ProtectiveAgency.com at (877) 739-9367. Our licensed insurance agents will be happy to answer any questions you have.