It’s important for all drivers to be vigilant and take care on the roads at all times. But it’s even more so for learner drivers. When you’re learning to drive it takes time to build up your experience so you should be extra careful. So here are some safe driving tips we hope you find useful.
1. Keep your headlights on at all times
Even while driving during the day it can help to have your headlights on. It makes you just that extra bit more visible which could make a huge difference in the event of an accident.
2. Stay alert!
Obviously you should avoid alcohol and drugs. But tiredness can also be lethal. Studies have found that driving while tired can be as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol. So if you’re feeling sleepy, make sure you stop and rest. And texting or talking on your phone is dangerous as well.
3. Stick to the limit
The faster you go, the bigger the consequences if you’re involved in an accident. Even just going 5-10 miles per hour over the designated speed limit could mean the difference between walking away from an accident or not. Make sure your leave early enough so that you don’t have to rush to get to your destination.
4. Know where you’re going
Plan ahead so that you don’t have to fiddle with maps and GPS units to try and get to the right destination. Study the map or setup you GPS unit before you leave so that you are clear about where you’re going.
5. Keep your distance
Follow the two second rule. No one likes it when people tailgate and it’s for a good reason. Especially at speed, you need to ensure you have a safe stopping distance between yourself and the vehicle in front of you.
6. Keep your car safe
Make sure your car is prepared for the trip. Check the tyres are fully inflated, you have enough fuel, your lights are working, you have water and detergent in your windscreen jets, and that your vehicle is legally allowed to be on the road. And don’t forget insurance!
7. Drive to the conditions
Road speed limits are for safe driving under ideal conditions. In case of fog, rain, snow and so on you have to use common sense and make adjustments. In these situations you should reduce your speed below the speed limit and maintain longer gaps between yourself and the vehicle in front of you as the time for your vehicle to come to a stop in these conditions will increase. It’s also another reason to make sure that your vehicle is roadworthy as simple things like window wipers can be a major problem if they’re not working properly in heavy rain.
8. Be patient and courteous to other road users
Being confident and assertive is a good thing in many aspects of life. But when it comes to driving, over confidence can be a killer. If you’re stuck behind a slow vehicle it can be very frustrating, but if in doubt, don’t overtake. Wait for a safe opportunity before you pull out.
The same goes for pulling out from an intersection. Sometimes it seems like there will never be a break in the traffic. This can cause people to become reckless and dart out when there isn’t enough time for them to do so safely. But try to remain calm and be patient and soon enough a space will appear.
Road rage is all too common, but entirely unhelpful. Even if you know you’re in the right, it’s best to let it go and not let it ruin your journey.
Safe driving everyone!