If you are a new driver, safety is understandably one of your main concerns. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, over 38,000 individuals perished in vehicular accidents in 2020 and driving is a naturally risky endeavor.
New drivers are at greater risk because of their inexperience, but taking proper precautions may lower this danger.
1. Wear appropriate footwear
While the law does not specify that drivers must wear a certain kind of shoe, wearing comfortable, flat-soled shoes such as sneakers may make driving easier and help prevent accidents. They offer more control when applying pressure to the brake and accelerator. Avoid flip-flops, wedges, high heels and house shoes, which do not provide the same control and may even create a false sense of the amount of force used. These types of shoes may also cause critical delays in using the pedals. For example, the brake may get caught between your foot and the sole if you are wearing flip-flops.
2. Eliminate distractions
You may know about not texting and driving, but your phone is not the only distraction you need to avoid when driving. Simple actions such as drinking, eating, changing a radio station, taking the cap off of a bottle and applying lipstick may distract you just long enough to result in an accident. Because of this, you may want to avoid these as well until you gain more experience.
3. Practice safe driving
It seems obvious, but many people do not perform well-known safety practices such as staying a distance away from the car in front of you. Use your blinkers every time you turn or change lanes and do not speed. Avoid driving at night if possible and limit passengers at first.
By doing a few things, you lower the chances of experiencing a crash.