Tips for New Drivers

Concerned about your kids who are about to drive. You're not alone. I have recently spoken with several parents who are waiting until their children are 18 years old and going to college before they are allowed to drive. Other parents can't wait for their children to be 16 years old so that they can go to the grocery store for them and do more "long-distant-chores." I don't know what I am going to do yet (but I still have 10 more years to decide).

Here are some tips for your beginning driver to help acclimate to the rules of the road. One of the most important aspects of driving is knowing what causes accident, or collisions. The first major cause is speed. Once you start going 10 MPH over the speed limit, your options lessen. (Also, most law enforcement agencies will start pulling people over after 10 MPH over the speed limit). Being unfamiliar with the car will also increase the opportunity for an accident. You need to know where the controls are, and be aware of ABS brakes. If your car has ABS breaks, the brake pedal, if applied firmly, will actually have a pulsating feeling, almost like your breaks are not working. This is normal and it is allowing your breaks to not stop and skid, thus losing control. Never let off of the break pedal during this pulsating feeling, as this will increase your stopping distance.

Here is what wikipedia.com says about ABS: An anti-lock braking system (ABS) is a system on motor vehicles, which prevents the wheels from locking while braking. An anti-locking braking system allows the driver to maintain steering control under heavy braking by preventing a skid and allowing the wheel to continue to forward roll and create lateral control, as directed by driver steering inputs. Most commonly, braking distances are shortened (again, by allowing the driver to press the brake fully without skidding or loss of control). Disadvantages of the system include increased braking distances under rather rare circumstances and the creation of a "false sense of security" among drivers who do not understand the operation and limitations of ABS.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-lock_braking_system

Another major cause for collisions in the dreaded left turn. Here is the scenario: you are coming up to an intersection and you are going to proceed through. There is a car going to opposite direction of you, and are in the left turn lane, or lane farthest to the left. You are about to enter the intersection when the turn left in front of you. Now the only good news is that you are not at fault for the collision; however, you might be seriously injured and then have to trouble of getting your car fixed, insurance companies, etc. The same goes for the left turn driver. The excuse that the other person was going to fast is not going to fly with the officer taking the report. The first thing out of the officers mouth is, "You shouldn't turn left if the other person is going so fast." Enter the intersection going the speed limit and watch for the car that is looking to turn left.

Here is a simple one but one that people often overlook. Unsafe starting or backing is a major cause of collisions. Now these are usually more minor in damage, but you will still have the hassle of getting your car repaired. Look over you shoulder before enter traffic. Before you get into your car and you know that you have to back up; go behind your car to see how much distance that you have to the car behind you. Also make sure that no objects are behind you before getting into the car and driving.

Wear your seat belt. You should feel absolutely naked in the car if you are not wearing your seat belt. Say you go over an unexpected bump in the road or a sharp turn. Not wearing your seat belt might get you a one-way-ticket to your friend's lap. What do you think your chances of getting into an accident are then? All of your passengers must also have their seat belt on as well. First of all, it is also going to be your ticket even if you have your belt on but your passengers don't (you are in charge of the car and it is your responsibility for every person in the car to have their seat belt on). Secondly, the same rule applies if you go over a bump and your passengers don't have their seat belt on. They might go into your lap and cause the accident.

Cops pay special attention to kids in sports cars, and cars that are weaving in and out of the lanes. Hopefully, by abiding by these simple rules, you car avoid the dreaded accident or even a traffic ticket. Also read my article on how to avoid the traffic ticket for some other easy rules to follow: http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/582937/how_to_avoid_the_traffic_ticket.html