When driving for the first time we have all experienced a sense of thrill and fear. Around 450,00 vehicle collisions take place almost every year. There has been an increase in the number of road safety campaigns, as there is an increasing need to educate drivers regarding defence and safe driving to prevent road accidents. If you have been in a car accident, then contact a Car Accident Lawyers in Toronto, who can evaluate your case and guide you through the process. Following are some tips for beginners.
- Plan your trip beforehand: Before you get behind the wheel, know the safest route to your destination and which lane would you be required to take. When you don’t plan, it creates unwanted pressure and can cause distractions, which can lead to accidents.
- Circle check your vehicle: Walk around your car before you get into it to check for any damage or object which could be blocking the car. Doing a circle check helps to ensure that the coast is clear and avoid any accident before you start your journey.
- Steady Speed: Constantly changing lanes and speeding won’t always help you to get to your destination faster instead, you will only end up hitting the break more often.
- Maintain a safe distance: Whenever you are driving avoid being too close to the lead driver. When driving in the city maintain a speed of two seconds and 3-4 seconds on highway.
- Always throw quick glances: Glance around every few seconds as it will help you to be aware of your surroundings without focusing on one direction only.
- Check your mirrors: When learning to drive you should develop the habit of checking the rear and side mirrors every 5 – 8 seconds and also before slowing down and while stopping, before and after turning.
- Lock your doors: Before commencing the journey make sure all the doors are locked. A car door opening unexpectedly can be confusing and cause an accident.
- Park Safely: While parking, drive slowly through the spot where you will park while being conscious of the blind spot at the rear of the vehicle.
- No arguing with Trucks: As trucks are bigger, they usually force their way through. So if a truck does something dangerous, just signal and get out of the way and don’t argue.
- Learn to handle tailgaters: if you are being tailgated then drive slowly before stopping, change the lanes to avoid the tailgaters or slow down to give way to the driver behind you.
- Communication: Avoid honking until necessary. Use turn signals, brake lights, hazard lights and horn appropriately to make it easier for the other drivers.
- Don’t run a red light: Running red lights, stop signs and other traffic control devices are some of the main causes of accidents. When you are approaching a red light, wait at a distance of three to four car lengths if there is no vehicle behind you.
