What are Important Safety Tips for New Drivers?

April 8, 2021

Each year, countless new drivers receive permits and licenses. They may be eager to hit the highways after practicing for months. However, they lack experience. Driving experience comes after years of being behind the wheel, which is why car accident rates tend to be high among new and first-time drivers. This is why all newer drivers should practice precautionary measures. Below are some important safety tips for new drivers.

Avoid Distractions

Drivers need to pay attention to the road. Distracted driving, such as cellphone use, can lead to accidents. Brand new drivers should get into the habit of silencing their devices and driving without listening to music. They should also avoid eating, putting on makeup, or trying to look at maps while the car is moving.

Maintain the Vehicle

Many drivers do not check the tires or ensure they have enough windshield wiper fluid. It is not necessary to check the car for every trip, but regular maintenance is necessary. Staying on top of routine maintenance lowers the risk of a preventable problem, like a tire blowout.

Younger drivers may not have the qualifications or understanding to know how best to maintain their cars. They can learn from their parents, a driving instructor, or even a trusted auto technician.

Secure Seat Belts

Buckling up the seat belt remains one of the easiest ways for a driver to stay protected in case of a collision with another vehicle or object. Despite this fact, many drivers forget to use their seat belts, even though Pennsylvania and New Jersey law clearly states that they must be buckled in at all times.

Parents should remind their teenagers and college-age children to use seat belts during all trips. They should also use seat belts themselves to reinforce this safety practice.

Stop Speeding

As young drivers become more accustomed to certain roads and routes, they may be more apt to speed. Plenty of drivers do not pay attention to posted speed limit signs or changing road conditions. Staying within the speed limit takes patience and practice. It can be tempting to speed up, particularly at yellow lights, when the driver is running late for school or work, or when adjacent traffic is moving quickly. All drivers should maintain a safety speed.

Do Not Tailgate

One strategy to reduce the likelihood of a rear-end collision is to leave enough following distance. In other words, drivers should watch the tendency to tailgate. Even in bumper-to-bumper highway traffic, tailgating can lead to minor collisions or serious crashes. All drivers need to give themselves enough space.

Do Not Drink and Drive

Drinking and driving can lead to an arrest or car accident. In Pennsylvania, a charge for driving under the influence (DUI) is considered a misdemeanor. In some cases, it can be a felony. Young drivers should never get behind the wheel while intoxicated or under the influence of any substance, including certain pain medications and prescription drugs.

Know What to Do After an Accident

New drivers need to understand how to proceed after getting into a crash. This includes sharing driver’s license information, general contact information, talking with a police officer, and avoiding making any incriminating statements at the scene.

A teenage driver involved in an accident that leads to long-term injuries may want to contact a local car accident lawyer before submitting a claim or accepting any settlement from an insurance company. Sometimes, an insurance provider tries to take advantage of a young driver’s inexperience and offers a low settlement. A knowledgeable lawyer can make sure the settlement is reasonable and fair.

Philadelphia Car Accident Lawyers at Nerenberg Law Associates, P.C. Help Young Drivers Recover Damages After Tragic Accidents

Young drivers are more vulnerable to collisions, but they may not be at fault. If you were injured by a negligent driver, a Philadelphia car accident lawyer at Nerenberg Law Associates, P.C. can help you. Contact us online or call us at 215-569-9100 for a free consultation. Located in Philadelphia, we serve clients throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey.