Every new driver is excited to finally hit the road after having earned their license. After all, being able to drive provides an incredible sense of freedom and independence. Unfortunately, new drivers lack the skill that comes with the experience seasoned drivers possess. Of course, there are some things they can do to make their trips safer and ensure they are well on their way to becoming responsible drivers.
Below are some of the top mistakes new drivers make and what they can do to avoid them:
- Speeding: This is still one of the most common causes of accidents on roadways across the country. Young drivers are often overly confident when they first begin driving and this excess in confidence can result in them traveling way above the posted speed limit. Moreover, given that they have minimal experience operating a motor vehicle, young drivers often misjudge their speed and might not even realize they are driving dangerously. It is important that new drivers always obey the speed limit or below it if the weather is poor.
- Unpredictable: New, young drivers are also erratic in their behavior and often do not realize that their actions can have a direct impact on other drivers around them. It is crucial for new drivers to be aware of their surroundings and to understand that how they behave on the road will have an affect others. If their driving is unpredictable and too wild, drivers around them will become confused, which can increase their chances of being involved in an accident.
- Tailgating: Younger drivers also make the mistake of not being able to properly estimate the distance between their vehicle and the vehicle ahead of them, which ultimately results in them following too closely. A good rule of thumb for all drivers is to maintain a 3-second rule. That said, new drivers should always check around their car rather than fixing their site on what is immediately ahead.
- Rules of the road: Sure, new drivers pass an exam and a driving test to obtain their license, but they have not actually had much experience in putting any of these rules into practice. This takes time and practice.
- Driving like their family: Lots of new, young drivers first learn how to drive from their more seasoned family members, such as their parents, grandparents, or older siblings. If the people they look to for influence practice bad driving habits, then it is very likely they will engage in these bad habits as well. It is crucial for all members of a household to practice safe driving habits, so that the new young drivers in that household do not put themselves in danger by following in their footsteps.
- Fatigued driving: It is not always possible for us to get all the sleep that our bodies require, but it is crucial that we do not operate a motor vehicle while fatigued. New drivers are especially at risk for an accident when fatigued since their reflexes are not nearly as sharp compared to a more seasoned driver. All new drivers should get plenty of rest before hitting the road and, if necessary, they should pull over to a safe space to rest before continuing.
- Situational awareness: Young drivers lack quite a bit of awareness, which sometimes contributes to their erratic and unpredictable behavior on the road. It is important for them to learn the roads they frequently travel, that they understand how to maintain awareness of other motorists, and to always be on the lookout for potential road hazards, so they are always prepared to avoid a situation that could result in an accident.
- Poor control: Operating a vehicle in itself can be difficult for new drivers and they might often exhibit a lack of control. The only way to rectify this is, of course, with practice. New drivers should ride with a parent or other seasoned driver to practice their skills and learn how to better control their vehicle.
- Distracted driving: Despite this being on the list of mistakes new drivers make, this is a mistake that all drivers frequently make, so it is important to instill better driving habits now rather than later when they become too difficult to break. Distracted driving does not just involve the use of cellphones or another type of device. It involves anything that requires a driver to devote his or her attention elsewhere. Eating, drinking, grooming, changing the radio station, fiddling with the air conditioner, or even adjusting the route on a GPS are all forms of distracted driving. Once again, given that new drivers do not have the fast reflexes seasoned drivers have, distracted driving is even more dangerous. New drivers should always be focused on the task at hand – driving.
Car Accident Attorney in Phoenix
If you were injured in a car accident that was caused by someone else’s negligent actions, you need to reach out to an experienced personal injury attorney today, so you can obtain the fair compensation you deserve. At Rafi Law Group, our team of car accident attorneys in Phoenix is dedicated to fighting on behalf of the wrongfully injured and will do what is necessary to ensure the responsible parties are held accountable for their actions.
Get started on your case today and contact our law office at (623) 207-1555 to request your free initial case evaluation with one of our knowledgeable attorneys.