Learn the common mistakes made by new drivers, old or young.

Most of the people who get involved in an accident or traffic violations are often new drivers. New drivers tend to be a bit overwhelmed by their freedom to drive on their own. It really is overwhelming to not depend on your parents or older siblings to drive you to places you want to go.

But sometimes, being too excited and eager with his/her newly found independence that they tend to be more reckless and imprudent when it comes to driving. This may cause serious harm and danger not only to you but also to all the people around you.

You can either learn from experience or learn from others' mistakes

Take a look to the list of the most common mistakes that young or new drivers make. In that ways, you will be informed of the things that you need to avoid when you’re a new driver, or you can share this information to your friends or family that is a new driver too.

1. Distraction

The most common mistake that these new drivers often commit is distracted driving. Distractions may come from different ways. And in this modern age, cell phones and gadgets are the most common source of distraction. Answering phone calls or texting while driving may look like a simple and harmless thing to do.

It is not and definitely not when driving. Driving requires your full attention. Failure to do so may result in serious and often fatal accidents. If you badly needed to answer the call or the message, you can first pull over to the side of the road and continue driving when you’re done. Other distraction includes CD’s, iPod and foods.

Driving requires full attention and when focused driving is not practiced, accidents can happen

2. Tailgating

Tailgating is referred to as driving too closely from the vehicle in the front. It doesn’t seem so dangerous right? Or does it? Well, just to inform you, it is very dangerous. We can never tell if the car ahead of us will hit the break. Allowing a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you is a more cautious thing to do. This will provide you a full or complete stop and will prevent you from bumping the car in the front. Another thing is that no one actually likes to be tailgated. It makes the other driver feel intimidated.

For heavy and big vehicles like transit buses or trucks, you should allow a long distance for your own safety. Heavy vehicles are more dangerous to be tailgated. Always follow the “keep distance” signs in the back part of these particular vehicles.  

Tailgating not only puts you in danger but also the vehicle in front of you

3. Overspeeding

Most of the time, too much excitement and overconfidence can push new drivers to step on the gas and speed up their driving. Over speeding does not only violate traffic rules but also one of the main reasons for road accidents all over the world. This can result in a serious mishap that can cost you your life and the other's lives as well. Always follow traffic rules and regulations, most especially if you’re a new driver. It will be a lot safer if you drive at the right speed.

When overspeeding, your fast drive can be your last drive

4. Car Maintenance

Another most common mistake of new drivers is the failure to maintain your car in its best shape. Since new drivers often have little or no idea on how to take care of their new possession, their car will most likely experience engine failures and irregularities than those of the well-maintained cars.

You can experience engine failures in the middle of the road that may cause hassle and disturbance to other drivers. Car maintenance is very important. This makes sure that your car is in the proper shape that provides a safer and better driving experience. So if you are a new driver or planning to buy your own car, don’t just focus on the driving lesson, and be also mindful of the things you need to know to properly maintain your car.

As a driver, you should always show respect and love to the vehicle that gets you from point A to B

5. Drunk driving

Most new drivers are teenagers. Teenagers love to have a good time, drinking at parties and the like. We all know that being under the influence of alcohol (and/or drugs) while driving is another traffic violation. It will not be only dangerous to you, but also to your passengers and other drivers and pedestrian that may be involved in an accident happened due to your recklessness.

Alcohol (and/or prohibited drugs) reduces your control and alertness that is needed for you to be able to drive safely. Drunk driving will cost you a huge amount of money for properties and/or injuries and casualties, or much worse, will cost you your life if a series and fatal accident happen.

If you think about driving home when you drank alcohol, you might as well be driving your way to jail

6. Not following road rules

Another most common mistake that new drivers commit is violating road regulations. This action may be a result of an impulsive behavior or lack of road rules knowledge. Before you drive on your own, be sure that you’re already familiar with the road regulations and signage. You also need to be careful when you’re a first-time driver.

Driving on your own is a lot different than driving with an assisting companion. Be totally ready and fully informed of the traffic regulations before you take full control of the starring wheels.

Rules are meant to protect you and people around you when driving so follow them by heart

7. Drowsy Driving

Similar to drunk driving, you should also restrain yourself from driving when you’re sleepy and tired. There is a higher chance that you’ll not be able to focus on the road and may result in an accident. Don't push yourself to the limit, most especially if you're a new driver.

You might also fall asleep while driving which is also one of the main reasons for road accidents all over the world. Rest and sleep if you must, but not when driving. You should only drive when you’re 100% alert and focused.

The seat behind the wheels is definitely not a sleeping spot

New drivers always have that confidence and excitement to drive their own car independently. And most of the times, these behavior pushes them to do things that can lead to unwanted incidents. The best thing to do is be a responsible new driver. Follow the traffic rules.

Follow all the safety precautions, be aware of your driving surroundings, and be alert and focus while on the wheels. Safety should be your utmost priority. Keep reading other safety tips when driving here in Philcarnews.com!

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