Top Things to Remember as a New Driver
April 18th, 2023
When it comes to driving, safety should always be your top priority. As a new driver, you may feel anxious about hitting the road, but our new driver’s checklist can help you feel more confident behind the wheel.
Repetition is often the best way to burn something into your memory. Therefore, continuously checking your basic safety and driving tips before beginning your transit should be a habit for years to come.
Driving and Safety Tips for New Drivers
When you started your driver’s education course, you were faced with a wealth of new information. Now that your course has come to an end and you officially have your license, it is always a good idea to remember the following before turning the key into the ignition:
Traffic Laws
As a new driver, the rules of the road should still be fresh in your memory. However, certain traffic violations are more common than others, such as:
- Exceeding the speed limit
- Forgetting to buckle up
- Having a taillight or headlight out
- Failing to signal
Remembering and following traffic rules can not only save your life, but it can also save you money. Safety should always be the driver’s top priority. However, there is another bonus to not speeding, and that is a clean driving record.
When you follow the speed limits and local traffic laws, you are less likely to get pulled over. No tickets or accidents on your driving record will help you receive a favorable auto insurance rate.
Avoiding Distractions
Distracted driving claims thousands of lives every year. The true tragedy is how easily avoidable their deaths are. Distracted driving consists of the driver doing anything that takes their eyes or minds off the road. For some drivers, the distraction may be eating breakfast during their morning commute; for others, it may be reading and responding to texts in traffic.
Some examples of driving distractions are:
- Talking or texting on the phone
- Eating or drinking
- Applying make-up
- Listening to loud music
- Joking with passengers
A great way to avoid distracted driving is to fully prepare for your transit before you leave your parking space. This includes adjusting the stereo, seat, and mirrors, setting up GPS, buckling your seatbelt, and setting your phone to ‘Do Not Disturb’ mode.
The Weather
Abrupt weather changes can interrupt your commute, often with little notice. However, the storms that we know are coming you can prepare for. Before leaving your home, it is best to double-check your weather app. Avoiding the roads during severe weather events is a wise choice for you and your car.
Have a safety kit inside your vehicle in case you get stuck in a storm. Road flares, blankets, flashlights, water, batteries, and snacks can make all the difference when stranded and waiting for a tow truck.
Knowing Your Vehicle and Keeping it Safe
We often become so accustomed to driving our own cars we can do it with our eyes closed. The same cannot be said when you borrow your partner’s, parent’s, or friend’s vehicle. There is usually no harm in lending a car between trusted family and friends. However, if you are operating a car you are unfamiliar with, you need to familiarize yourself with the car’s controls.
Ensure that the mirrors and seat are set to your personalized needs, also check the blinkers, windshield wipers, headlights, and gear shaft all before driving away. If you plan on operating the car after dark, you will need to know where all the lights and wiper controls are in case of a sudden storm.
It is also a good idea to ask the owner of the car if there is anything particular about the vehicle that you need to know, such as if the car pulls slightly to the left. Preparation is a key part of safety; your car is no exception. Always keep your truck equipped with water, a blanket, and a safety kit in case your car unexpectedly breaks down.
Typical items found in many car safety kits are:
- Flashlights
- Jumper cables
- Tire irons
- Car jacks
- Road flares
- Car fluids
- Water
- Blankets
- Granola bars
- Battery packs
- Maps
- First aid kits
- Kitty litter (for traction on stuck tires)
Insurance Discounts and Incentives
Car insurance policies are an essential part of being a safe and responsible driver, and being a responsible driver allows you to qualify for insurance discounts and incentives. A clean driving record, with no accidents or tickets, can usually earn a driver a policy discount or an incentive that is thrown into their insurance policy. Check with your broker to see which safe driving discounts you qualify for.
Final Thoughts
Getting your driver’s license is an exciting achievement that comes with a new world of possibilities. However, to maintain your safety and your driver’s license, following the rules of the road, keeping your vehicle up to date, and purchasing high-quality auto insurance are all essential.
Protect yourself and your car with a personalized and affordable auto insurance policy through Duliban Insurance. To learn more about car insurance incentives for new drivers, contact our team at 1-855-385-4226. We would love to answer any questions you may have.
