How A New Driver Should Drive In Traffic
It can be nerve-racking when driving on the highway as a new driver. This is why it’s common for new drivers to drive on local roads until they’ve gotten enough experience to drive on interstate roads.
When a new driver is ready to start real-world driving on the highway, proper preparation is necessary to enable a beginner to make a hassle-free transition from local roads to the interstate. This article will examine the ways a new driver should drive in traffic.
Let’s Dive in.
Highway Driving Tips for New Drivers
Let’s examine some vital tips you should know as a new driver.
1. Accelerate slowly
It’s normal to be tempted to slam on the gas pedal when the traffic light turns green. However, you must have self-control. Your vehicle engine best performs when it is eased into higher speeds. Move from a complete stop to a slow roll and gradually raise the pressure on the gas pedal.
2. Hold the wheel steady
You’ll have better control of the vehicle when with smooth steering. If you want to make a turn or hold the vehicle straight down the road, it’s necessary to hold on to the steering wheel steadily.
3. Brake gently
Knowing the right time to stop is among the most important lessons for a beginner. Like accelerating, it’s crucial to avoid slamming the brake pedal to the floor. If you can see a stop sign or when the traffic lights turn yellow, apply light pressure to the brake as soon as possible. Gently apply steady pressure to the brake pedal until your vehicle comes to a complete stop.
4. Maintain proper speed
As you get more used to driving, it can be tempting to try going past the bounds of posted speed limits. However, abiding by the speed limit isn’t limited to obeying the law; it’s also essential for your safety and other drivers on the road.
The Department of Transportation sends engineers to perform a detailed investigation to determine the speed limit. These engineers record the nature of the road, traffic volume, accident history, and sight distance. Your life and that of other drivers are not worth taking a few minutes out of your drive time.
5. Follow at a safe distance
Maintaining a safe following distance between you and the car in front of you is vital irrespective of your driving experience. However, being a first-time driver, you’ll have a slower reaction time than other drivers.
6. Be aware of road signs
Get a full grasp of all road signs, traffic rules, pavement markings, and safety signals. There’s a reason why these signs are posted on the roads. Don’t ignore a safety signal or road sign because you feel confident in your driving skills.
7. Choose your lane carefully
Get acquainted with the purpose of each lane and give yourself enough room to make turns or lane changes. If you know the next exit or turn is coming up ahead, move into the far right lane on time to avoid cutting off other road users.
It would be best if you only used the far left lane for passing at a safe speed and for left exits. The center lane is the safest option during journeys at a consistent speed.
8. Communicate effectively
An essential part of driving safely on the road is the blinker. When you correctly use your turn signal. It’s easy to relay your decisions and future moves to other drivers. Only use your horn sparingly, specifically as a warning to other drivers.
Be alert and aware of other drivers’ behavior on the road to enable you to react accordingly in an emergency. Always check your side mirror and look over your shoulder before backing up or changing lanes.
9. Wear your seat belt
Always wear your seatbelt while driving and ensure your passengers do the same. According to CDC reports, "Among passengers and teen drivers between ages 16-19 who died in car crashes in 2018, nearly half were unrestrained at the time of the accident.”
10. Keep your car in good shape
Proper car care can go a long way in forestalling breakdowns and other potential accidents. Car maintenance includes tune-ups and regular oil changes, tire pressure checks, brake fluid and coolant levels checks, regular tire rotation, and filling up the vehicle tank before it gets too low.
Only a vehicle you adequately cater to would serve you well. It would be best if you didn’t let your vehicle maintenance schedule slide as a new driver.
11. Avoid distraction
The NHTSA report states that 2,841 drivers lost their lives because of distracted driving alone in 2018. Accidents can occur in the blink of an eye, but as long as you’re paying attention, you have better chances of avoiding potential hazards. So, maintain focus while driving on the road. No cell phones, eating, surfing channels on the radio, and turning around to gist with friends in the backseat.
A good tip for beginners is to settle down and prepare before you get behind the wheel while in your driveway. Select the music you want to play in your car, set your GPS, turn on the do-not-disturb mode on your cell phone, and ensure any important call is made, completed, or paused before you start driving.
12. Don’t tailgate
A leading cause of rear-end accidents is following too closely. Remember the 3-second rule; "Look at the road ahead and pick an object, say a sign, overpass, or tree. Then, when the vehicle in front of you moves past the object, slowly count "one-one thousand, two-one thousand, three-one thousand.”
If you approach the object before you complete the count, you’re following too closely. Keep in mind that if the vehicle in front of you slams on its brakes and you rear-end them, it could attract a ticket for you, a lawsuit from the driver in front, and a heavy bill from your insurer.
Final thoughts
Learning how to drive can be challenging after getting your driver’s license, but with enough practice driving, adopting the tips mentioned earlier, and proper awareness of your surroundings, it can be a safe and fun experience.
