What are some good driving tips?

Question

What are some good driving tips for someone new to driving? Yes its a bit late but ive been practicing for my drivers license and would just like to know safety and other tips to make things easier.

Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

1. Before driving a car, do a simple safety check. Turn on the lights and walk around the vehicle to ensure that all lights are in working order. Also check your blinkers for proper operation. Look for any fluid leaks or things hanging from the vehicle. Check that the tires are properly inflated.

2. When you get into the car, adjust all mirrors and seats before placing the key in the ignition. To properly adjust the left mirror place your head against the left window and adjust the mirror so that you can just see the left side of the car. For the right, move your head towards the center of the vehicle and adjust the right mirror in the same way. When you are sitting correctly in the driver's seat, you will not be able to see your vehicle, but your blind spots will be greatly reduced!

3. Always wear your seatbelts.

4. Always drive with your headlights on, a car is visible for nearly 4 times the distance with it's headlights on even during daytime hours.

5. When stopping at a stop sign, be sure to feel the car rock backward and spell S-T-O-P to yourself before proceeding. Always turn your head to look left, then right, straight ahead, then left again before proceeding.

6. When a light turns green, look left, then right, straight ahead, then left again before proceeding through the light. Notice all vehicles and ensure that someone else is not going to run the light.

7. Keep your eyes moving. Notice what is happening on the sides of the road and check behind you through your mirrors every 6-8 seconds.

8. When driving on a two lane road that allows parking on the right, stay toward the center line to allow for room if someone were to open their door to exit their vehicle in front of your car. This forethought will help you from swerving to miss an opening door. If there is no parking allowed on the road position your car toward the right to allow for more room between you and oncoming traffic.

9. Expect the other drivers to make mistakes and think what you would do if a mistake does happen. For example, do not assume that a vehicle coming to a stop sign is going to stop. Be ready to react if it does not stop. Never cause an accident on purpose, even if a pedestrian or another vehicle fails to give you the right-of-way.

10. Every time that you re-fuel, check your oil and other fluid levels. Look for noticeable leaks throughout the engine compartment.

11. If your car stalls on the road, do not leave your car. Wait for the proper authorities to come to your aid. Do not let someone talk you into leaving your vehicle.

12. When traveling behind other vehicles, there should be at least a 4 second space between your vehicles. When the car in front of you passes a stationary object, slowly count to yourself. If you pass the object before the allotted time, you should back off. When traveling at night or inclement weather, these times should be doubled.

13. Don't talk on a cell phone while driving. Phones detract from your ability to concentrate on the road and increase your chance of a collision by nearly 400%. If you must use the phone, pull over to a safe, well-lit parking lot and place your call there. After completing your call you may continue on your way.

14.Take a lesson from pilots. When leaving for an out of home trip, be sure to give an itinerary to someone back at home with the route of travel, approximate time of arrival and a contact number at your destination. Do not deviate from this plan without informing your at-home contact. If you are traveling a long distance, check in throughout the trip with a current location and any changes in your route or times. If something were to happen, this information may be used to narrow the search.

15. When being approached by an emergency vehicle, pull to the right shoulder of the road and STOP. Put on your hazard lights to allow others to see you better.

16. Carry in your vehicle, in an easy to find place, all contact numbers that you may need as well as Emergency contact information, personal information and any outstanding medical needs that you may have.

17. Leave early, plan to arrive 10 minutes before the appointed time. Speeding does not increase your ability to arrive on time, rather it only increases your chances of not arriving at all.

18. When traveling on a multiple lane road, keep in mind that the left most lanes are for passing only. If not actively passing a vehicle, stay in the right lanes, allowing others to pass.

19. Avoid the "No-Zone" with trucks or busses, they cannot see you from many areas. Remember if you cannot see the driver in the truck's rear view mirrors, they cannot see you! Also remember that trucks make large right turns.



There is an old saying... "If the roads are wet, then drive like it's snowing. If the roads have snow, then drive like they're icy. If the roads are icy, then don't drive."


In inclement weather, if it is necessary to reduce one's speed, the brake should be applied slowly without making sudden moves. When making sudden moves it's much easier to lose control of your vehicle.


Remember as your speed increases so does your braking distance. If you double your speed, you quadruple your braking distance. If you double the weight of your vehicle, you double the stopping distance.

Answer 2

Don't underestimate, anything can happen no matter how careful you are. Never take chances, because if you do, it might be your last. Don't panic and skid off if you ever hit anything or anyone. Never drive when you're in a bad, sad or any negative mood. Unless it's water or non-alcoholic drinks, Don't drink and drive. Don't drink before you drive either. Don't tense up or your muscles are gonna hurt hurt hurt. Don't get all nervous for nothing, it'll ruin your concentration. If you know yourself for being a careful and responsible driver then there's nothing to worry about. Actually there is, it's those reckless drivers that'll give you hell but don't stoop to their level and try to get even. Don't forget to turn on your signaling lights in advance whenever you make a turn and just follow the road signs and rules, it's a drag sometimes but it's for your own good. Make sure you're seated comfortably, who cares about the person at the back seat having no leg room, you're the driver, you've got to be comfortable to ensure everyone a safe ride. Don't worry, don't panic, be confident in you capabilities and you'll be fine.

Answer 3

Watch what's happening 2 or 3 cars ahead of you so you can have time to react. But don't ignore the one in front of you.
Look for blind spots in every car you drive. These are places outside the car that you can't see in the mirrors. Learn where they are, then always turn your head and look there to make sure it's clear before you move into it. Another car could be there, and you don't want to crash into them.
Always use your blinkers, even to just change lanes.
Watch out for motorcycles - they are almost invisible. The stupidest bikers make the bad assumption that you can see them like they were in a car. Try not to assist in their suicide.
Unless you carry a gun, never shoot the bird at other drivers.

Answer 4

Remember-
Use the mirrors whenever you move, change lanes, change speed, or are going to stop.
Maintain a safe distance.
Mobiles do not go with driving, neither does loud music.
Be 100% alert at 100% of the time. It takes just a millisecond for an accident.
Cheers

All the best

Answer 5

First off, you must relax and get comfortable. Get used to your car, inside and out; get a feel for how it drives and handles. Focus mainly ahead of you, but do glance at your mirrors (yes all of them) from time to time, but not for too long, one second is all it takes to end your life as you know it. Being behind the wheels of a 1-2 ton metal object is a BIG responsibility, lives are at risk.
Pay attention to drivers around you, many will not even signal their actions so be wary and get ready to make a sudden choice. And please... use your signals, that's what they are there for, to warn others of your intentions. Drive safe and good luck.

Answer 6

My top tip would be to leave your phone off or on silent while in the car, it doesn't seem it, but it's veyr distracting when it rings and you can't answer it.
Don't follow to closely to cars in front is another important tip, this will ensure you'll see any pedestrians or cyclists on the road.
One more quick tip, don't be too nervous, remeember that you can drive it's now down to experience and you'll be absoluteley fine.... oh and follow the others tips too some are great.

Answer 7

Of course, things like always wearing your seat belt, not exceeding the speed limit, stopping for emergency vehicles and school buses. But my 2 favorites are not to play the radio or CD too loud nor talk on your cell phone. These activities are very distracting and you might miss hearing an emergency vehicle or being alert to a jaywalker, etc.

Answer 8

Check the rear view and side mirrors at least every seven seconds, that's just a quick circular head movement, it will also save you from speeding tickets because of you see a cop you can slow down, too. And, keep both hands on the wheel, when you are driving.

Answer 9

Always keep your eyes on the road, and watch out for those in front of you, from the side and behind. Never talk on your cell phone while driving, and since you said you are new, keep the radio off until you get used to driving. Keep both hands on the wheel and drive slow.

Answer 10

There are two very important things that my father taught me that have always helped me. And when I have ignored them or been careless, I've gotten in accidents.

1. Never follow too close.
2. Always check your rear view and side view mirrors just to see if someone else is following too close. If someone is going to stop when you stop at a stop light, etc. In other words, know what the other guys on the road are doing.