New driver? This blog is for you. I know you’re excited to have your learner’s permit, but wait! Before you start driving, we need to talk. Here are five of the most common (and dangerous) mistakes new drivers make. If you think you’re good at multitasking, pay attention to #2…
1. You speed.
Go easy on the gas pedal.
The faster you drive, the more force your car will produce in a crash.
The more force your car produces in a crash, the more likely someone (hint: that means you) will get hurt.
Speed limits weren’t invented out of thin air. Auto safety experts decided that was the maximum speed you can drive safely on that road.
If you’re driving 90 MPH (instead of 60 or 70), your odds of dying in a traffic accident multiply. The temporary thrill isn’t worth the risk. I promise!
Don’t just take my word for it. 4.689 people died in traffic accidents caused by teens in 2015. Speeding was one of the top three causes of those accidents.
I don’t give a crap if you’ll be tardy for school, theater rehearsal, football practice, or whatever. Remember: It’s better to be late than be dead. Slow down! Your life might depend on it.
2. You’re distracted.
Distractions come in many shapes and sizes. Maybe you’re…
- Scrolling through your Facebook feed
- Texting a cute guy or girl from science class
- Eating a burger and fries on the way to practice
- Laughing at your ridiculous friends in the backseat
- Changing the radio station, because this song sucks
The specifics aren’t important. Every distraction has the exact same effect.
When your mind isn’t focused on the road, your ability to drive suffers in a major way.
It takes 4.6 seconds to answer the average text. That doesn’t sound like a big deal, but it is. You travel the distance of a football field every 5 seconds when you’re driving 55 MPH. Yikes!
How many things could go wrong? Plenty! A dog or cat could run into the middle of the road. Another driver could slam their breaks. You could drive over broken glass and get a flat tire. Fail to pay attention and you won’t have enough time to react.
Don’t eat while you drive. Go home first (or if you’re in a big rush to get somewhere, park your car and do your best impersonation of a competitive eater).
Don’t text and drive. Your friends might expect a fast response. I get it! Here’s what to do. Before you start the car, send a text that says: “Driving now! Will answer later.” Next, silence your phone and stick it in your side compartment so you won’t be tempted to look at it.
When you’re behind the wheel, you have one (and only one) responsibility: drive. That’s it! Keep your eyes open for potential danger. Every minute or two, check your mirrors and scan the horizon to make sure no threats are present. When you’re driving, accidents happen fast. The more you focus, the less likely you’ll have a wreck.
3. You take risks.
You’re young, energetic, and full of enthusiasm for life.
I remember the feeling (hey, I was a teenager once, too!).
All of this excitement can make you feel invincible: like nothing could ever hurt you.
That’s a wonderful way to be, but that feeling can get you into deep trouble on the road.
Not wearing a seat belt? If you hit another car, you might go flying through the windshield.
Drinking and driving? If you get pulled over, you might lose your right to drive for many years.
Neglecting to check your blind-spot? If you change lanes without looking, you might get hit by another driver.
I know it’s fun to live on the edge, but these are dumb risks that have absolutely no payoff. Save your risk-seeking for areas of life where it might work out to your benefit.
Apply to the best and brightest colleges in the U.S. Audition for a play, team, or competition. Ask out the guy or girl you’ve had a crush on for years. Whether you succeed or not, you’ll learn something about yourself and become a better person. No risky business on the road!
4. You try to impress friends.
I know you’re sick of hearing about “peer pressure,” but it’s a very real phenomenon!
When teenagers drive with other teenagers in the car, their risk of having a wreck increases. That’s for two reasons:
- No one likes to sit in silence. It feels awkward… so you’re distracted by conversation.
- Somehow it became “cool” to drive fast and “lame” to drive slow (dumb opinion, I think!).
We already talked about why speeding is dangerous, so I’ll spare you a lecture. Just let go of this need to show off. Confident people have nothing to prove. Don’t act like a fool!
5. You put style before safety.
Your parents probably have more say in what car you get than you do (sorry!).
Either way, read crash safety ratings at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) before you buy a car.
The “speed demon” is rarely the safest option. Please make your well-being a #1 priority. There’s nothing boring about choosing a car that can protect you from danger. Promise!
Being aware of these mistakes new drivers make will help you make safe and smart driving decisions. Share this article with your friends, because they’ll appreciate the advice. 🙂