Driving is a task that needs concentration and with safety as a top priority. When you are on the road, especially a busy highway, your concern is no longer your own safety, but also the safety of the other drivers around you and the pedestrians that may pass by. As a beginner or someone learning how to drive, you need to have the best possible training and find a driving school that puts importance on defensive and safe driving. There are many driving schools available in your area and they may promise easy and fast learning when it comes to driving.
Be Comfortable with the Vehicle Before Driving It
All cars have different features and you should be comfortable in getting used to the controls of any vehicle you will come to handle. The basic things you need to adapt and adjust to are transmission modes, seat adjustment, steering wheel (if it has power steering or not). The other things you might also consider are air conditioning, radio, heaters, defrosters, windows, locks, windshield wipers, gauges, and other things. It would be great if you can check and read the owner’s manual, but this may not be always readily available. Thus, it is better to have a good feel of the vehicle and be comfortable in accessing the basic and safety features like the gas pedal, the brakes, and transmission before venturing on the road.
Get Driving Lessons
There are many ways to acquire driving skills. The easiest way is to get lessons from your family members. Your parents can be good driving teachers. The good thing about having a parent teach you is that you are most likely to use the family car which you are comfortable with. If you are using your own car, you can be comfortable with your parent as the passenger and instructor.
Enrolling in a driving school is another effective way in learning how to drive. Any locality can have many driving schools available, so choose your driving school wisely. Taking driving lessons Manchester can be actually cheaper. Choose a driving school that is both affordable and enjoyable. Also, check for the driving school’s emphasis on safety and how it will help you achieve a high pass rate when getting your driving license.
Stay Confident and Focused
These two qualities are important when starting out with your driving lessons. It is OK to be nervous when learning how to drive. However, you should also learn to keep your nervousness in check. Being always nervous can lead you to being an unsafe driver. Be confident and comfortable the moment you begin your driving lesson. Listen well to your instructor or parent. A confident learner can easily take in instructions and knowledge imparted to them. They can also quickly follow instructions that need to be immediately done, such as turning, slowing down or stopping.
Being focused is also helpful when you are learning how to drive. Keeping your eyes always on the road is an essential practice for your safety. Developing this practice is very helpful so that you can be prepared for your next course of action in any situation you meet while driving on the road.
Use All Your Senses When Driving
Sight or vision is the sense that is most often utilized when driving. Actually, your other senses can be helpful too when you are driving your vehicle. Your ears can be useful for listening to sirens, honking of other cars and for listening to unusual sounds in your vehicle and detecting possible problems. The sense of smell is useful for noticing unusual smells inside the car, harmful fumes, or burning oil, tires or brakes. Your skin can be useful in feeling the differences in temperatures inside and outside of the car. Be careful not to smother your other senses when driving, as these can actually prove useful.
Avoid Distractions When Driving
Distracted driving is one of the most common causes of road accidents. Also, distracted driving comes in many forms. Texting or talking on a cell phone is not the only distraction a driver can encounter. Distracting passengers, drinking soda while driving or turning up the stereo volume can be other forms of distraction. As a person learning how to drive, you need to be prepared for any possible distraction you encounter and practice shutting out these distractions and maintaining your focus on the road.
Look At The Bigger Road Picture
Most drivers have a tendency to look directly in front of their vehicle or at the vehicle in front of them. This is actually a half-baked and dangerous practice. You should look far down the road and keep your eyes moving to spot any movement that can affect your safety. Utilize your peripheral vision and the rearview mirror every once in a while driving and do these while keeping a safe distance from the vehicle in front.
Keep your Speed and Following Distance Manageable
Road safety and traffic management experts agree that overspeeding is the cause of many fatal accidents. Actually, another factor to look at is the improper following distance. Tailgating is a dangerous practice and exposes drivers to collisions. The ideal space between your car and another vehicle should be at least 2 seconds to give you time to properly respond or react to the movement of the vehicle you are following.
Clear All Intersections
The intersections can be a dangerous location on the road, even with traffic lights setting the movements. Be able to proactively check the intersections up to the last second for possible red light beaters, drivers who may not be paying attention or large and heavy trucks that cannot stop instantly. Do this extra precaution and you’ll be regularly, keeping yourself safe on the road.
Safety is always a top priority when it comes to learning how to drive. When it comes to learning, a point that is given significance is the one that is effectively retained and practice. If your instructor or parent emphasizes to you the importance of safety in driving, then you are most likely to practice it. When you drive on the road, you are no longer alone and you join with a community of drivers and pedestrians. So, in every time you drive, think of your safety and the safety of other drivers and pedestrians.