When you drive your vehicle off a Car Credit lot, please be alert and mindful at all times behind the wheel.
Whether a driver is experienced or inexperienced, it is critical to be aware of factors that affect your driving. Road conditions, weather, traffic, lighting, and other environmental factors combine to create road conditions that can be either favorable or unfavorable.
Driving 101
To keep yourself and your passengers safe, follow essential car driving tips and techniques to ensure a smooth and safe driving experience.
- Never operate a vehicle if you are impaired in any way.
If you have consumed alcohol, cannabis, or certain prescription medications, do not drive. With your judgement impaired, you cannot accurately evaluate your ability to safely drive. Get a ride with someone or call a cab. Check your medicine containers for warnings about driving.
- Get to Know Your Vehicle.
When you first start learning to drive, one of the most important driving tips is to become acquainted with the vehicle. Before you turn the key and start fiddling with the various knobs and buttons, learn what they do. Learn exactly what each button in your car does so you know what to do in an emergency.
Next, familiarize yourself with the accelerator and brake pedals.
Finally, get comfortable with the various gear positions.
- Wear your seat belt.
All drivers must always wear their seat belts while driving. Not up for debate!
Wearing a seat belt is not only required, but is also an effective way to reduce the possibility of serious injuries in the unfortunate event of an accident or collision.
- Make sure the mirrors are adjusted properly.
The use of mirrors is critical for safe driving. It is a good policy to check and adjust the mirrors each time before driving the vehicle. First, you must adjust the side mirrors. Always adjust the mirror so that the image of your car does not take up more than 10% of the field of view. Adjust both the driver’s and passenger’s side mirrors, then sit back in the driver’s seat to ensure you have the ideal view of the road behind you.
Remember that only a small portion of your mirror should reveal the side of your vehicle. Similarly, adjust the rearview mirror so that you have the best view of the road behind you while sitting comfortably in the driver’s seat. Remember to make all necessary adjustments before you begin driving.
- Maintain both hands on the steering wheel.
As a beginner, you should not drive with just one hand. Maintain control of your vehicle by keeping both hands on the steering wheel in the ’10-and-2o’clock or 9-and-3o’clock position.
These are popular steering wheel-holding techniques that beginners find comfortable. However, what ultimately matters is the hand-positioning that provides you with the most ease and comfort.
- Make use of Signal Indicators.
When driving, you only have two options for communicating with other drivers. The first is your indicators, and the second is your horn. As a result, you must use both of them sparingly and wisely as needed.
In general, you should always use your indicators to alert other drivers to a change in direction. Many people have the habit of turning their cars without using their indicators. On the other hand, others do so too late or, at times, too early. The vehicles following you would be perplexed in both cases.
- Avoid distractions.
While driving, you should avoid using your phone or paying attention to anything else. Distracted driving is already a major cause of car accidents, putting you and others in danger.
Do not use earphones while driving.
NEVER text while driving.
Keep music to a reasonable volume to ensure that you can hear horns and sirens. This will also avoid disturbing other drivers
If you really must take a phone call while driving, it’s safest to pull off the road in a safe location. If that’s not possible, use a “hands-free” connection that allows you to keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel.
- Observe Traffic Regulations.
You must follow all traffic rules. This will not only keep you from being penalized, but also keeps you safe on your journey. The main reason traffic rules have been developed is to help reduce the risk of accidents and injuries.
As a driver, you are responsible for your own safety and that of others – passengers, pedestrians, and other motorists. It is a huge responsibility – not to be taken lightly.
- Be calm and courteous.
It’s important to drive confidently and calmly. Being nervous as a beginner driver is natural, but your competence as well as your confidence should improve quickly. A panicked driver – unaware of emergency procedures and equipment – can be hazardous to everyone on the road.
You’re sharing the roads with others; we all count on each other to obey traffic laws as well as a few “unwritten rules” expected by other drivers:
Slower Drivers Stay on the Right
Always Leave Space Between Your Car and the One Ahead of You
Merging Doesn’t Mean Cutting in Line
Lower the High Beams for Oncoming Traffic
Get Comfortable With Turn Signals and Hazard Lights
Remain Calm – do not confront other drivers
Keep up With the Group
We all make mistakes on the road, but being safe and courteous will make the roadways more civilized.
The Most Important Safety Tips to Keep in Mind When Driving
- NEVER drive impaired.
- Avoid all distractions and remain alert at all times while driving.
- To make a turn or change lanes, always use turn signals at the appropriate time.
- Wearing a seat belt is an important safety precaution every driver should take. Individuals who do not wear seat belts risk not only being fined, but also being injured in the event of an accident.
- Drivers must always use their horns and turn signals correctly. Avoid honking at traffic signals and slow-moving traffic. Instead, only use your horn to alert other vehicles to your presence.
- Along with all this, ensure that your vehicle is properly maintained to perform well on the road.
Car Credit takes pride in offering the safest, most comfortable and affordable cars for you and your family. Visit one of Car Credit’s locations…and, please drive carefully!
