5 Tips for a Smoother First Time Driving Experience
Posted by admin at 11 February 2021, at 07 : 43 AM
When it’s your first time driving, you always get mixed emotions of fear and excitement. You don’t know what to expect while on the road.
Although nothing is ever a guarantee on the busy streets, one thing is for sure that if you follow these tips, you’ll have a much smoother first time driving experience, one marred by fewer hiccups or disasters.
Be Comfortable
At times the road can be a disastrous place. Drivers who know their way behind the wheel always realize the importance of comfort. The angle of your mirrors, the sitting position, and the controls should all help you feel much more comfortable.
Settle into your car as fast as possible by:
Adjusting your Mirrors
While some vehicles like the ones Hancock County CD JR manufactures have straight mirrors, others come crooked. Mirrors allow you to see what is happening in and around your car, and thus, you’ll never be comfortable until all the mirrors align.
Once you believe all the mirrors are in place, use these tests to confirm they’re exactly where they need to be.
Check for blind spots by adjusting your rearview mirror, and if you still can view your car from them, you need to readjust.
Drive past a parked car while looking into your side-view mirror; you must have a peripheral vision of the car even after it’s out of your vicinity.
Always adjust your mirrors according to the time of day. At night you should always switch to the dark mode that shields you from rays from the cars behind.
Know the Controls
Although slotting into a car takes a while, you can quicken the process and settle in faster by familiarizing yourself with the different control components like windshields, headlights, wipers, and hazard lights.
If your car contains other specifications like automatic airplay or Android auto, make sure you know how to use them correctly.
Get Familiar with the Brakes
Brakes are an essential proponent of a car, and as such, the sooner you get used to the braking system, the more comfortable you’ll feel. Getting to know the amount of pressure you need to exert for the car to halt gives you better control of the vehicle.
Avoid Overthinking
If you’re a person who tends to be in their thoughts constantly, the road is no place for you. Being in a state of worry about the too many traffic rules to remember or having to multitask will only end badly.
Instead, clear your head of any unnecessary clutter and focus on the task at hand. However, always keep in mind the primary staff like using turn signs when required.
It is also helpful to have an experienced driver beside you who will help you concentrate on the road demands. It can be a close friend, family member, or college provided they are:
Supportive
Alert
Offers less distraction
Good listerners
Besides, having someone beside you during the first driving experience makes it less scary right?
Stay within Familiar Territory
The hunger to drive your car all across the state is perfectly normal for the first time. However, this act isn’t advisable for first-time drivers who are yet to develop a knick for the road.
Stick to your local confines and get conversant with these areas before driving to other unfamiliar roads. Avoid highways and interstates where the traffic is more, and the demands are higher during your initial ride.
Aim to safely garner the relevant skills in your home area where you can practice some of the defensive driving tactics that will keep you safe like:
The 3-4 Second Rule
When stuck in traffic, always maintain a gap that will take you three to four seconds to cover. Doing this helps you avoid bumping into the car ahead and allows you enough room to maneuver.
In terrible weather conditions, this distance increases by another second or two.
Escape Routes Tricks
As a new driver, you should always steer clear of messy situations on the road. In case you find yourself in one, always position your car so that you can see the impending danger. Have escape routes in mind if the situations become untenable.
Becoming More Road Aware
Staying in familiar territory and frequently driving through the common roads helps build your road awareness skills. For example, you progressively learn to turn signals and park your car in a parallel manner.
Not Depending on Other Drivers
As a newbie driver, you may think that success on the road often depends on how considerate your other drivers are. While it’s always good to be courteous, even while driving, it is better to rely on yourself than others.
For example, don’t assume that just because another driver parks in front of you, they will move. Instead, look for your way to get out of that situation.
Remember, while on the road, you always assume the worst of everyone apart from yourself as this keeps you safe and alive.
Watch out for the Larger Cars
While in traffic or just driving along the road, always keep an eye on what the taller vehicles do. Drivers of such cars often have a better view of the road as their vehicle is higher up, and as such, they can quickly determine and react to different situations.
Avoid Distractions
The road is a volatile place, especially for drivers who pay less attention to what’s in front and more to other things like mobile phones. Many drivers die or develop injuries from road accidents because they lack the proper level of concentration.
Try to avoid texting while driving and if you must pick calls, receive via Bluetooth speakers that allow you to focus and still converse.
Final Thoughts
Getting your first car is always a dream come true. The level of excitement often tempts you to do crazy things. Resist the urge to indulge in risky affairs during your initial driving days and have a smooth experience by remaining comfortable, avoiding overthinking, staying within a familiar territory, watching out for the larger cars, and avoiding distractions.