That is right. It costs you nothing to become a safer driver, who knows how a motor vehicle operates and behaves on the road.
However, there is a catch – you must care and be open to spending some time with the car and have an Internet connection. Because most of the things on our list only require online research.
The others just need the beginner driver to be a sensible human being, and to care about making minute improvements to their driving, so they do not end up on the news, or worse, in an accident-related obituary. So, let’s get on with it. 1. Which is which
By “which is which,” we mean that a beginner driver has the responsibility of knowing what each button and control of the vehicle will do if activated/operated. They should also know how to identify the major components of the vehicle, and we mean more than the ignition and tires.
If you ask us, a user must show common sense to themselves and others around by knowing the difference between a wheel and a tire, and being able to identify the significant components that make any motorized vehicle drive as expected. If the driver does not know either of these, what are they supposed to do when asking for help? 2. How stuff works
How Stuff Works is a great place to start, and Engineering Explained is also a good recommendation for those who want to understand what makes their cars tick. Once you have a basic understanding of how an engine works, how your brakes operate, and the difficult job of tires, things start to come into perspective for any user.
A bonus part of understanding these elements, even if learned in layman’s terms, is that you become harder to trick by any ill-intentioned mechanic, as well as gaining valuable knowledge in how your car works. 3. Basic repairs
However, there are situations where a well-instructed beginner driver should handle problems without help. We consider that any driver should know how to deal with a flat tire, and we mean more than just calling roadside assistance. Unless you cannot chance it yourself, because of physical issues, you should learn how to do it.
Other minor things any beginner driver should know are how to check the oil level, as well as all the other fluid levels of your vehicle. It is a good idea to know how to inspect a tire. Changing your windshield wipers, topping up the windshield washer tank, and refueling go without saying, right?4. What to do after an accident
If you feel that you can get up from your seat, and that your body is intact, check the status of your passengers. Get out of the vehicle and move away from it while watching out for traffic. If another vehicle was involved in the collision, talk to the other driver and make sure they are all right. Give yourselves a few minutes to calm down, and then sort the paperwork regarding the incident.
Make sure you take pictures of the cars before you move them. If your explanation of the incident is inaccurate, or if the other driver tries to trick you to pay damages without being at fault, photos will be your best witness. Speaking of which, you should check if any bystanders saw the accident and are willing to help clarify the matter, if you still do not know who is at fault. If you still have doubts, call an experienced friend or a lawyer.5. How to drive in adverse conditions
Driving in the rain or snow does not compare to a sunny day. Not by a long-shot, but you still have to get through it. First of all, leave a larger distance between your vehicle and the one in front. Avoid any sudden movements, and try to be gentle with all of the controls.
Be aware grip will not be as it is on a sunny day, and that aquaplaning is a real danger. So just leave room for error for whatever maneuver you do. The best way to do this is by slowing down. Put extra caution into every move. Before next time, consider following an advanced driving school to learn how to control your car if it slides.6. Avoiding road rage
If you feel the urge to scream at another driver, just refrain. Think that they might be right, and try to empathize with what they might be feeling. Maybe they are not right today, but they have had a rough day at work or home and are trying to vent by driving like a douchebag. Instead of enrolling in a vicious circle of rage, let them vent it out, apologize, and move on.
If you are the victim of road rage, let the other driver pass you. Do not leave your vehicle, and avoid rolling down your window. Say you are sorry and mean it – if you did something wrong. Screaming will not bring a positive end to the situation, and violence will not help anything. Be smart and try to deflate the conflict before anyone gets hurt. 7. Never drive under the influence
You must also remember that driving after a night of drinking is just as dangerous, even if you have slept a few hours. A night of partying takes a toll on a human body, and your judgment might be clouded the next day, resulting in a possible accident. You do not have to feel hungover to be a “buzzed” driver, so make sure you take at least eight hours of sleep after a night of drinking before even thinking about driving.
In the case of drugs or prescription medication, do not even think of driving after you have taken them. The second category includes many kinds of pills and substances prescribed by doctors, and some of them might impair your driving abilities. Ask your doctor if you are allowed to drive after taking your prescribed medicine. 8. Leave your phone alone
However, we do not advise beginner drivers to use any of these solutions. Just refrain from using your phone. You are doing enough important things while driving to be able to take a call, no matter how important it is.
If you are expecting an important call from someone, pull over when and where it is safe, and take the call. You do not have to reply immediately, and can call them back when the vehicle is stopped, as we live in 2016 and cell phone rates are not that pricey. Your safety is worth more than any phone call, remember that.9. Look where you want to go
Unfortunately, the human mind has a pesky habit of looking where it should not, and this is called “point fixation” in the case of drivers and riders. Once you unintentionally fall into this “trap,” you risk crashing your vehicle because you diverted your entire attention on a particular element, which was not even important.
Instead, try to follow a corner with your eyes, and never focus on obstacles on the side of the road or any other vehicles on the road. By the way, mind your mirrors, and make sure you make a habit out of checking them regularly. This will help avoid accidents, trust us.10. You have nothing to prove, just be an adult
Make sure you show those that trusted you with a driver’s license that you did deserve the privilege, and do not become a negative example on the road. Try your best to replicate this behavior in society, and you will have a lovely time on Earth.
At the end of the day, remember that you have nothing to prove to other road users, and that it is best to stick to your driving. Racing is not for the road, and your friends will not be impressed if you crash your car while attempting to prove your skills. This lack of being impressed can also be linked to death or serious injuries in some cases, so do not be one of those people.
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