If you’ve recently gotten your driver’s license, you’re probably well clued up on the rules of the road, how to do your checks, the speed limits in different zones and how to parallel park.
While these are all critical points to understand as a driver, there are a few other important things you need to be aware of when you get behind the wheel in order to be safe and responsible as well as calm and collected when you’re travelling. Whether you’re simply commuting to work and back or driving long distances as a new driver, here are some important things you should be aware of.
Legal Rights
Of course, you’ll need to know the road laws in your state, region or country in order to be able to get behind the wheel. However, it’s also a good idea to be aware of your legal rights in various circumstances such as being injured in a car accident.
The Lamber Goodnow website can point you towards an attorney that will be able to help you in such a situation, and you could also ask friends and family for recommendations on legal advice.
What to Do After a Car Accident
Knowing how to behave and what steps to take after being in an accident is crucial to know for just in case. For example, you might not be aware that it’s important for you to stay on the scene if you are uninjured in order to document any evidence and talk to witnesses.
Seeking medical advice after the fact is also important even if you don’t have any visible injuries – you’ll need to be assessed for a concussion and any other potential issues.
How to Avoid a Car Accident
Prevention is obviously better than cure, so you should know the steps to take to prevent getting in a car accident in the first place, to whatever extent possible.
This includes avoiding using your phone while driving, avoiding driving when you’re tired, never driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, ensuring that you’re fully focused on the road at all times and also being alert and aware of the drivers around you and reacting to their movements.
How to Change a Tyre
This is basic, important knowledge for anyone with a license. While it is possible to get help if you get a tyre puncture and need to change it, it’s always for the best to have this skill under your belt.
Ask a family member or friend to help you practice this skill so you’re prepared in the case of an emergency.
What the Lights on Your Dashboard Mean
Ignoring your “check engine” light is probably as dangerous as it sounds, especially if you’re travelling long distances. This light as well as all the others on your dashboard tell you certain crucial bits of information about what’s going on in your vehicle.
Make sure you’re familiar with what they mean and how to respond to each of them if they happen to turn on.
What to Do if You Break Down
Breaking down on the side of the road can be incredibly frustrating, overwhelming and even frightening if you’re in a remote area. Staying calm is a crucial first step.
It’s a good idea to have a plan in place for if this should happen. Make sure that you have someone you could call, such as an emergency helpline number or even a friend or family member who will be able to come and help you out.
How to Be Prepared for an Emergency
Emergencies do happen, and being as prepared as possible is all we can do. Keep an emergency kit in your car – first aid, a blanket, a snack, a flashlight and other important necessities that can help you through the crisis.
You can also be prepared by always ensuring you have a full battery on your smartphone or a power bank in your car that will allow you to make contact with someone who can help you out.
How to Drive in Bad Weather
Driving around in clear, warm weather is a completely different situation than driving in snow, sleet or hail storms. While there’s no way you can truly practice or prepare for this, the first time it happens you might be panicked and overwhelmed.
As always, the key is to stay calm and drive as carefully as possible. The more you experience situations like this, the easier they will become to handle as you gain more experience as a driver.
