New Driver in the House? Teach them about these common mistakes
New drivers cannot wait to get behind the wheel. They’re ready to embrace their newfound independence and freedom. Unfortunately, many new drivers make common driving mistakes and do not fully comprehend the consequences of their mistakes until it’s too late.
The good news is that most driving mistakes can be prevented with a little bit of education and knowledge. It’s critical we get this information into the hands of new drivers before they enter the road. It may help prevent car accidents and even death.
Top 6 New Driver Mistakes
- The Need for Speed: New drivers have never operated a vehicle faster than a bike or scooter. The power behind a car is exhilarating, and many new drivers want to test the speed limit. Speeding is not only illegal, it’s dangerous, especially for a new driver who may not know how to slow down properly or fully understand the consequences of speeding.
- Distractions: Distractions are everywhere. While cell phones tend to be the obvious answer when discussing new driver distractions, the radio, friends, other drivers, eating, and texting are other very common distractions for new and seasoned drivers.
- Following too Closely: Many new drivers underestimate the space needed between two vehicles. They follow too closely to the car in front of them and find themselves in accidents because they didn’t create a sufficient cushion between themselves and the driver in front of them.
- Not Wearing a Seatbelt: Wearing a seatbelt drastically increases the chances of surviving an accident. Some new drivers simply forget this habit or think they are invincible behind the wheel. Improper Vehicle Maintenance: Vehicle maintenance is complex, and many new drivers do not understand how to maintain their cars properly. Some new drivers may not know a car needs periodic oil changes or tires need to be filled. These simple yet critical tasks keep the vehicle in running order and help prevent accidents.
- Drowsy and Drunk Driving: Teens are night owls and enjoy late-night adventures with friends. Unfortunately, this means they are typically tired and driving late at night. Add alcohol to the mix, and a new driver is not only a danger to themselves but those around them as well. It’s important teens understand the consequences of drowsy and drunk driving before they get behind the wheel.
Anyone can make these driving mistakes, so staying alert on the road and being educated about your car’s functions is essential. New drivers need the support of seasoned drivers to grasp the importance of safe driving. If you’ve been involved in an auto accident, give Eason & Tambornini a call today.
