Driving is fun for most people, especially beginners. It is a life skill that every adult tries to learn and is extremely useful in our daily lives. However, inattention and adventurousness while driving can compromise the safety of the driver and other vehicles and people on the road.
To ensure your safety, we have listed 10 essential car driving tips and techniques that every beginner should learn to ensure a smooth and safe driving experience.
Get to know your car
Before you drive off, you should familiarize yourself with the basic structure of your car. Although no one can learn it in a day, you must at least have theoretical knowledge. For example, knowing the basics; How to use the buttons on the steering wheel and dashboard, how to position the jack, the tank capacity - these are some things every driver should know.
You should also consider driving according to the category of your vehicle; Be it a hatchback, sedan or SUV, each class has certain features associated with it. For example, some people find it difficult to maneuver and park SUVs. You must be aware of the difficulties of the vehicle to avoid panic while driving.
Fasten your seat belt
All vehicle drivers must always wear a seat belt while driving. Whether you are a beginner or a professional, you should make it a habit to wear your seat belt properly when driving.
According to a study, almost 75% of vehicle users in India do not wear seat belts while driving, which leads to 15 deaths every day. Wearing a seat belt is not only mandatory, it is also an effective measure to reduce the risk of serious injury in the unfortunate event of an accident or collision.
Check and make adjustments before driving
Before you drive off, make sure you put the seat, mirrors and steering wheel in the correct position. You may see people making adjustments like this while driving. However, as a beginner, it is best to make these adjustments in advance to ensure a comfortable and safe ride.
Keep both hands on the steering wheel
As a beginner, you should not choose to ride with one hand. The best way to keep your car under control is to hold the steering wheel with both hands in the “10-and-2” or “9-and-3” position.
These are popular steering wheel gripping techniques that are comfortable for beginners. However, these are not the only techniques. Ultimately, it all comes down to hand positioning that gives you maximum ease and comfort.
Maintain medium speed
As a beginner, you should always maintain a medium or slow pace. Although high speed can trigger an adrenaline rush, keep in mind that you may not be able to handle a car at high speed initially. If an object or person suddenly appears in front of your vehicle, it could cause an accident and you may have difficulty controlling the vehicle.
Use signal indicators
Vehicle displays help you communicate with other drivers while driving. Make it a habit to use your turn signal before changing lanes, passing other vehicles and stopping on major roads. It warns other drivers to adjust their speed and gives you space to turn safely.
Avoid distractions
You should avoid using your phone or concentrating on other activities while driving. Distractions caused by cell phones are already one of the main causes of traffic accidents and endanger you and other road users. If you need to talk on the phone while driving, park your car in a convenient location and talk. Also, avoid using headphones while driving.
Be confident and calm
The most important driving tip is to be confident and calm while driving. As a new driver, it is natural to be a little nervous while driving, but this should not affect your morale while driving. A panicked mind can be dangerous to both yourself and others. At the beginning, only drive the distances that you can safely cover. Once you are confident in your driving skills, it is beneficial to gradually increase the driving distance.
