Driving a car on the open road is really fun. However, if you're just learning to drive, you can get nervous when you do it. Do not worry! Accidents can happen to anyone, but there are things you can do to be able to drive safely and do your best to avoid accidents.
Step
Method 1 of 14: Wear a seat belt
Step 1. Put on your seat belt
Seat belts are an important element so that you can drive safely. Before starting the vehicle, wear a seat belt and make sure everyone in the car is wearing it properly. If there are children in the car, make sure the seat belts are securely fastened.
In the US, the NHTSA (US road and traffic safety agency) says seat belts saved nearly 15,000 lives in 2017
Method 2 of 14: Follow the speed limit
Step 1. In addition to complying with the regulations, this must be done for your own safety
The high speed will make it difficult for you to control the vehicle and react to avoid accidents. Speed limits have been designed to keep you safe on the road. Pay attention to the signs posted and always obey the speed limit.
Method 3 of 14: Stay alert and watch the road
Step 1. Losing alertness for 3 seconds is enough to result in an accident
The main cause of car accidents is careless or negligent drivers. Nearly 80% of errors occur within 3 seconds of the driver's carelessness (attention distracted). Stay focused on the road at all times so you can react quickly and avoid accidents. If you feel sleepy or tired, pull over and drink coffee or rest until the sleepiness is gone and you are ready to drive again.
Method 4 of 14: Maintain a safe distance with the 3-4 second rule
Step 1. Maintain a distance of about 3 to 4 seconds with the vehicle in front of you
The most likely place to cause an accident is the vehicle in front of you. Select a stationary object (such as a traffic sign), and wait for the vehicle in front of you to pass, then calculate the amount of time it will take you to pass. Use this guide to keep your vehicle at a safe distance so you can stop safely and avoid accidents.
Increase vehicle distance when the weather is unfavorable (eg foggy or rainy), and when you are driving at night or when you are behind a large vehicle
Method 5 of 14: Watch other riders
Step 1. Don't rely on other drivers to drive your vehicle well, and always focus
Watch other riders and watch out for them. Don't assume they're always looking at you and willing to step aside to make way for your car that is about to turn or change lanes. If you assume that other riders can make mistakes, you're sure to react quickly when they do.
Method 6 of 14: Watch motorcycles and bicycles
Step 1. Pay extra attention to motorcycles and bicycles that are around your car
If you want to turn or slow down, turn on your turn signal to let them know. Add 1 second of extra distance if you are on the back of a motorcycle. This way, you'll have extra time to slow down if you have to stop suddenly.
Method 7 of 14: Use a turn signal if you want to make a turn or change lanes
Step 1. Tell other riders
The turn signal will notify other vehicles that you want to turn or change lanes. That way, they'll have time to slow down, or make way for you. Do this politely and safely by turning on your turn signal before you change lanes or slow down when you are about to turn.
You can get a ticket if you don't turn on your turn signal when you need it
Method 8 of 14: Increase the speed if you want to change lanes
Step 1. Pay attention to the gaps between the cars and don't slow down
Turn on the turn signal and increase the speed until you get in between the cars. Use the rearview mirror and turn your head to make sure the gap is ready to be entered. Next, move the car to a new track and maintain its speed.
Method 9 of 14: Use the right lane to overtake
Step 1. Change lanes and increase speed to overtake slower moving vehicles
Turn on the turn signal, and wait until the lane on the right is quiet to overtake. Increase speed and overtake the vehicle, keep turning on the turn signal, wait for the gap to open, and re-enter the left lane. Only use the right lane to overtake other vehicles.
Method 10 of 14: Check the rearview mirror and blind spots
Step 1. Pay attention to things you might have missed
All cars have blind spots that cannot be seen through the rearview mirror. Check the back of the car before changing lanes or reversing the vehicle so you don't accidentally bump into something.
Method 11 of 14: Pull over the car if you want to grab something
Step 1. Don't try to reach for anything behind the driver's seat
In addition to using mobile devices, reaching for objects is a major cause of distraction for drivers. Instead of trying to reach for something, step aside for a moment so that you can safely retrieve it.
Method 12 of 14: Get rid of the phone
Step 1. Get rid of the temptation to check your phone
Cell phones are the biggest distraction for drivers. Even checking a mobile device for a moment can take your eyes off the road enough to cause an accident. Place your phone in your bag or car center console when you're driving so you don't use it. You can also set it to the " Do Not Disturb " setting so that you don't get any notifications on your phone while you're driving.
Pull over or wait until you reach your destination to check your phone. Everyone can wait
Method 13 of 14: Never drink alcohol and drive a car
Step 1. Ask someone else to drive, or find a ride so you can get home safely
Drunk drivers can cause life-threatening accidents. If you've just had a drink, put safety first and ask someone else to drive the car. If there's no one to turn to for help with the drive, take public transportation or call a taxi online.
If you are conscious or under the influence of drugs, you may not be able to drive. Don't drive the car and ask someone to drive if possible
Method 14 of 14: Keep the car well-maintained
Step 1. Preventive maintenance allows the car to be driven safely
Check tire pressure and tread regularly. Make sure the car coolant is filled and the battery is functioning properly. Check the car manual and follow the maintenance schedule listed in the book so that the car can function properly and safely.
Tips
- If you get lost and want to see a map to get somewhere, pull the vehicle over so you can do it safely.
- If you're driving with someone else, ask if he or she can control the music in the car and can give you directions when you're focusing on the road.
