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Understanding Defensive Driving for New Drivers

Defensive driving means having the skills and know-how to stay safe on the road. It’s all about being able to predict and deal with any dangers that might pop up while you’re driving. This is crucial not just for seasoned drivers, but especially for those who are new to the wheel, since they’re more prone to accidents.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), they found that drivers under 20 are more likely to be in deadly car crashes compared to any other age group with almost three times as high. Even though they only make up 7% of all licensed drivers, those aged 16-19 accounted for 10% of all road fatalities in 2020.

Learning defensive driving helps new drivers lower their chances of getting into accidents. They get taught how to foresee and steer clear of potential dangers, and also how to react smartly when unexpected things happen, like when other drivers mess up or when pedestrians suddenly show up on the road.

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Defensive Driving Tips

Here are some tips for new drivers to remember when they’re learning to drive defensively:

• Stay alert to what’s happening around you. Keep an eye on what’s ahead, behind, and beside you. Also, watch out for people walking, cycling, and using the road.
• Stick to the speed limit and follow traffic rules. Going too fast is a big reason why accidents happen. By driving within the speed limit and obeying all the rules, you can help keep everyone safe.
• Always signal before changing lanes. Make sure to always signal to let any cars around you that you will be changing lanes. Along with this, be sure to check your blind spots. This helps you avoid crashing into other cars.
• Keep a good distance between you and the car in front. This way, if the car ahead of you suddenly stops, you have enough time to hit the brakes without crashing into them.
• Be ready for unexpected surprises. Stay prepared to react if something unexpected happens, like a person or another car suddenly appearing on the road. Keeping alert to your surroundings will help you avoid any potential car crashes if someone else suddenly swerves or comes out of nowhere.

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Avoiding Potential Accidents

When you’re behind the wheel, it’s crucial to be mindful of your surroundings, especially in high-risk areas such as intersections, school zones, and construction sites. These places often have pedestrians, cyclists, and other vehicles that might not be following the road rules. 

To stay safe, steer clear of distractions like using your phone or texting while driving, as they can distract your attention from the road and increase the chances of an accident. The personal injury lawyers at De La Garza Law Firm mentioned it’s also important to never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, as they can impair your judgment and slow down your reactions, making it challenging to drive safely.

If you spot a potential hazard on the road, like a car suddenly braking in front of you or a child darting into the street, take immediate action to avoid it. Whether that means slowing down, changing lanes, or stopping altogether, it’s always better to err on the side of caution to prevent any unfortunate incidents.

Learn More About Avoiding Accidents Here:

• The Most Common Causes Of Car Accidents And How To Avoid Them
• Essential Car Maintenance Tips To Avoid Accidents

Conclusion

When it comes to staying safe on the road, learning how to drive defensively is key, particularly for new drivers. By keeping in mind the helpful suggestions mentioned previously, new drivers can significantly decrease the likelihood of accidents and ensure a smoother, worry-free journey behind the wheel.

These simple yet crucial tips can pave the way for a more secure and confident driving experience, benefitting both the drivers and everyone else sharing the road.