As a first-time driver, you must be really excited to take your car out on the road, as having your own car and taking it out on the road is quite an exhilarating experience.
Driving is a skill everyone should have; however, going on a solo ride can also be frightening as there might still be a few things to consider when getting behind the wheel for the first time alone.
More importantly – one should know about the possibility of road accidents. No matter how carefully one drives – accidents can still happen. Not all accidents are the driver’s fault – sometimes their cars break down, or they get jumped at by a deer out of nowhere.
So, before taking out your car on the first ride, you will want to take your vehicle to a mechanic and get your car checked to prevent the breaking down of your car. Nonetheless, safe driving can go a long way to protect yourself and your loved ones – if they are with you in the car.
Nonetheless, if this is your first time driving a car, you should know the following things to ensure safe driving.
Read on to learn more!
Table of Contents
Get Comfy
Before you even start your car, you will want to get comfy and adjust the vehicle in a way that you can drive safely. Make sure that all car mirrors are adjusted so you can see all mirrors. The more comfortable you are, the easier you will find it to drive.
Being comfy on your first ride is specifically essential, as driving solo for the first time is nothing less than a nerve-rattling experience. Adjust the seat as well, and make sure you are sober. The worst thing that you can do to yourself is drunk-driving.
Drunk driving can land you in serious trouble and can also turn your first driving experience into your last one. You definitely want to avoid getting in touch with some of the serious car accident attorneys on your first ride.
Avoid Overthinking
Now, as a first-time driver, you will feel naturally overwhelmed with all the rules you must follow. Driving is essentially about multi-tasking – it is all about hand-feet-eyes coordination. Also, you will want to keep a sufficient distance between your car and other vehicles.
You will also need to remember everything that you learned during your driving lessons, including what each road sign means and when to use your turn signals. More importantly, you will want to concentrate on driving and keeping a clear mind while you are at it.
So, as a first-time driver, you must think about the driving task and be relaxed and alert simultaneously.
Avoid Distractions
The last thing that you will want to deal with on your first solo ride has distractions. So, if your mother asks you to drop off your little brother at daycare, you wouldn’t want to do that. Also, only invite a talkative friend to accompany you wherever you are going.
If you want someone to accompany you on the first ride, you can ask an adult or an experienced driver to sit with you in the passenger seat.
You get the point – driving with distractions is never a good idea – especially if you are driving the car alone for the first time. We also recommend turning off the radio and putting away your cell phone. Never make the mistake of taking a selfie or a video while driving for the first time.
You don’t necessarily have to show off to the world – roll up your windows so that you aren’t distracted by anything happening outside.
Opt for an Easy Route
You should opt for an easy route for your first solo drive. You don’t want to navigate the streets alone on your first drive. Ideally, it would help if you opted for a route that you are familiar with – for instance – your neighborhood or going to the local market to collect some groceries.
Just make sure to stay on familiar roads as a first-time diver.
When we refer to easy routes, we ask you to stay away from major highways. Indeed, you will need to get familiar with driving on these too – but – keep it off for some other day in the future.
The first time you drive your car alone, you will want to choose a familiar route, as your main objective is to experience controlling your vehicle rather than placing your car and yourself in unfamiliar driving conditions.
Life-Long Driving Tips to Follow for Safe Driving
Suppose you have taken your vehicle a couple of times on the road and you have made yourself comfortable with the idea of driving a car; you will want to keep in mind the following tips for life to ensure that you and your fellow passengers remain safe on the road.
Keep distance – you will always want to keep sufficient space between your car and the car in front of you. If you are driving a truck, you will want to keep your distance a bit longer. Extend the distance even more if you are driving in bad weather conditions.
Strategic driving – you will always want to drive strategically. You will want to avoid getting into situations where you might be forced to use a sudden brake. Also, avoid getting rear-ended.
No distractions – as mentioned before, the last thing you will want to deal with is being distracted. Never take your eyes off the road to text or get your phone. It only takes a fraction of a second to collide with the vehicle in front of you if they stop suddenly and you aren’t paying attention.
The Takeaway
As a first-time driver, you will want to take a smooth start so that you can keep up a good driving history throughout your life. Make sure to avoid driving under the influence, as it will induce serious mistakes. Also, make sure to take your car to the mechanic regularly so you can keep your vehicle in the best condition.