Being a new driver has its ups and downs. It’s exciting to finally be behind the wheel of a car, independently navigating your course. It’s also a bit stressful knowing that you may be faced with situations you aren’t entirely prepared for. As with many things in life, the more experience one has with driving, the better they perform. Everyone has to learn to drive safely, and this is best done by having more time behind the wheel.
A new driver is bound to make mistakes while honing and enhancing their skills. This is absolutely normal, but new drivers should still proceed with caution. Here are some of the most common behaviors that new drivers should avoid.
When a driver is inexperienced, they aren’t as aware of how long it will take them to stop. The faster a vehicle is traveling, the greater the stopping distance. Until a driver gets the feel for their vehicle and for driving in general, they should make every attempt to obey the posted speed limit. New drivers often speed up when other vehicles are zipping past them on the highway. Don’t be tempted to increase your speed to keep up with more experienced drivers.
2. Distracted Driving
Any number of distractions can take a driver’s focus off the road. Distractions are even more dangerous for those with little experience behind the wheel. New drivers are urged to pay attention to driving and little to nothing else. This means no cell phone use, few if any passengers in the car and no eating or drinking behind the wheel.
3. Unnecessary Risks
There are some common mistakes and poor choices many drivers make when behind the wheel. Avoiding these mistakes are important for everyone, particularly for less experienced drivers. New drivers can decrease their chances of causing an accident by using their turn signal, obeying the speed limit, always checking blind spots and of course avoiding any type of driving while intoxicated. Poor decisions such as these are simply unnecessary risks.
There should be an adequate distance between two cars. Typically, a driver should be able to see the rear tires of the vehicle in front of them making contact with the road. There should be a greater distance at higher rates of speed. The faster a vehicle is traveling, the longer it takes to stop.
5. Emergency Errors
Things like over-correcting, swerving and slamming on the brakes are done by even the most experienced drivers in some situations, but are even more common among new drivers. Responding to an emergency situation safely is something that is more easily done after a person has gained experience behind the wheel. New drivers can increase the likelihood of responding well to emergency situations by obeying the speed limit, understanding the rules of the road and always be aware of what is happening on the road around them.
It is not unusual for new drivers to be ticketed for violations. It isn’t unusual for experienced drivers to be ticketed. No matter your level of experience, driving with your safety and that of others as your top priority is always the best idea.
If you have received a ticket in New York City, reach out to our office. We will help you schedule an appointment for a free case evaluation and advise you of your options. Call today or browse our website for more information about our firm.