Driving brings a sense of exhilaration to most people, especially beginners. It is a life skill that every adult seeks to learn and is extremely useful in our everyday lives. However, carelessness and adventurism while driving can affect the safety of the driver and other vehicles and people on the road.
To keep you safe, we have listed down 10 crucial car driving tips and techniques which every beginner must learn to ensure a smooth and safe driving experience.
- Get familiar with your car
You should be acquainted with your car’s basic layout before you take it out on the road. While no one learns it in a day, you should at least have the theoretical knowledge. For example, knowing the basics; how to use the buttons on the steering wheel and dashboard, how to place the jack, fuel tank capacity – these are some things that every driver should know.
You should also set your mind for driving your car’s category; hatchback, sedan or SUV, as each class has some peculiarities associated with it. For instance, some people consider it challenging to maneuver and park SUVs. You should be aware of the vehicle’s challenges to avoid any panic while driving.
- Wear the seat belt
All car drivers must wear their seat belts all the time while driving. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, you should follow the habit of wearing the seat belt right while driving a car.
According to a study, almost 75% of car users in India do not wear seat belts while driving, resulting in 15 deaths every day. Not only is it mandatory, wearing a seat belt is an effective way to reduce the possibility of severe injuries in the unfortunate event of an accident or collision.
- Check and make adjustments before driving
Make sure to adjust your seat, mirrors and steering wheel in the right position before setting off on your drive. You may see people making such adjustments while driving, but as beginners, it is best to make these adjustments beforehand to ensure that you have a comfortable and safe drive.
- Keep both your hands on the steering wheel
As a beginner, you should not opt for driving with a single hand. It’s best to keep your car in control by having a steady grip on the steering wheel with both hands in the‘ 10-and-2’ position or ‘9-and-3’ position.
These are popular techniques for holding the steering wheel, which beginners find comfortable. However, these are not the only techniques and eventually, what matters is the hand-positioning which gives you the maximum ease and comfort.
- Maintain moderate speed
As a beginner, you should always maintain a moderate or slow speed. While high speed gives an adrenaline rush, remember that you may not be able to handle a car at high speeds in the beginning. You may face difficulty controlling the car if some object or person instantaneously appears before your vehicle, which may cause an accident.
- Use signal indicators
Car indicators help you communicate with other drivers while driving. Make it a habit to use turn indicators well before switching lanes, going past other vehicles, and making a halt on the main roads. It warns the other car drivers to adjust their speed and gives you the space to make a turn safely.
- Avoid distractions
You should avoid using your phone or paying attention to any other activity while driving. Mobile phone distractions are already a significant cause of road accidents and endanger you and other people on the road. If you have to take a phone call while driving, park your car at an appropriate spot and then speak. Also, avoid using earphones while driving.
- Be confident and calm
The most important driving tip is to be confident and calm while driving. It is natural to be a bit nervous while driving as a beginner, but that should not affect your morale while on the road. A panicked mind can prove to be dangerous for you as well as others. Drive only those distances you can safely cover initially. It would help if you gradually increased the travelling distance once you’re confident about your driving skills.
- Carry your license and insurance documents
While driving a car, you should always carry your driving license and other car-related documents, like the registration certificate and a valid motor insurance policy. If caught without these documents, you will be penalized. No one ever wants to be punished for such avoidable mistakes, least of all at the beginning of their driving experience.
- Never drive under stress
As a beginner, you need extra focus to get accustomed to the traffic and roads. While driving, split-second decisions can either keep you safe or put your life in jeopardy. Stress can throw you off balance and hamper your concentration and judgement capabilities, making you vulnerable to misjudgments and accidents. Thus, it is best to avoid driving when under stress or when you’re in a disturbed mood.
