How can i become a more safe teen driver?

Question

while on my permit, i almost got in an accident today. it scared me, right now i'm practicing and practicing to get my license soon. before i do get my license, i want to practice a lot until i gain experience. you see i don't really know about the street especially when turning right on a redlight and looking on the other side of cars. i do want to be a better and safe driver because i care, don't tell me to give up and wait til I'm old enough to drive. I'm 17 and i'm on my permit, i been working my way through this.

Answer 1

Be mindful of your surroundings -- there was a really great article from Geico Direct's newletter on blind spot and I highly recommend it -- a commercial bus driver said it's standard and most should adjust their mirrors in this way, it help me a lot when changing lanes and having to check the other lane prior and preventing moving to the lane with a car or even motorcycle there -- make your adjustments to the car prior to moving the car. Me personally even if I want to change the radio station I do not while I'm driving, cell phone is a no no I keep it on silent to keep me from answering it -- driving is a selfish activity in which you SHOULD NOT being doing something else while driving -- I cannot tell you how serious it is to have your FULL ATTENTION to the road. Stay in your lane, always stay in your lane, it will take a while to get use to checking your mirrors and your speed, if you position your mirrors correctly you will simple need to glance at your mirrors, you will understand what I'm taling about when you come to a stop, you look in your rear view mirror and the person in the next lane come from behind and you will see before the car from your side mirror before it disappears from yor rear view mirror.

Unfortunately the disadvantage to having your mirrors like this is when you parallel park and cannot view your own car, but as you're a new driver you will ger use to it more so that someone that has positioned their mirrors to see their vehicle.

As you're young don't allow your peers to encourage you to speed or be a reckless driver and don't even think about getting in the car if you've had a drink DON'T DO IT-- unfortunately the insurance companies know this and why it's so much more for a young male driver to have car insurance -- be respectful and a responsible driver -- as someone told me prior to getting over my fear of driving to just do it!

Good luck and safe driving

Answer 2

It's weird.  Young people have much better reflexes than anyone else on the road.  They "should" be the best drivers.

The problem is they don't put their attention on the road.  They put it on their music, their cell phone, their friends in the car.  And young people tend to be scatter-brained, being in a world full of distractions moreso than older folks. So practice focusing your attention 100% on what's going on with the road, traffic, pedestrians etc. and your natural reflexes will work for you.

If you want to get better at getting the car to do what you want, regular driving schools are weaksauce - look at performance driving schools.  Sure, you're not interested in racing, but they teach good principles. Feeling comfortable with a car at 100mph will make you much more confident at controlling it at 40mph in the sheeting rain, when most people are aiming and praying, lol!

Answer 3

STEERING Steer smoothly whether you are driving straight ahead, turning or backing up.

ACCELERATION Accelerate smoothly and moderately. Don't race the engine or cause it to stall.

BRAKING Bring the vehicle to a stop gently. Start braking well before your stopping position to avoid "jerky" stops. Make sure you stop your vehicle in the proper position of the lane.

CLUTCH/GEAR Always be sure your vehicle is in the correct gear. With either an automatic or a manual transmission, shift into the proper gear at the right time without "grinding" the gears.

SPEED Obey the posted speed limit, of course, but also adjust your speed properly due to weather, road, visibility and traffic conditions.

FOLLOWING DISTANCE Keep an adequate space "cushion" between your vehicle and those you are following. Use the "two second rule" described in the Driver's Manual. Be sure to increase your following distance in poor weather or visibility.

TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES Know the meanings of signs, signals and pavement markings, and obey them consistently.

STOPPING POSITION If a stop is required, stop your vehicle before it reaches an intersecting street. If stop lines or crosswalks are present, stop before crossing them. If your view is blocked after stopping behind the crosswalk, move up until you can clearly see your way, then stop again if necessary.

LANE SELECTION AND POSITION Keep your vehicle in the proper traffic lane, especially when preparing to make turns. Don't allow room for another vehicle to pass you on the side that you are turning toward.

COMMUNICATION Let other drivers and pedestrians know which way you want to go. Use your directional signals or horn consistently and at the proper times.

OBSERVATION Look for and identify potential problems or hazards in the traffic around you - not just straight ahead, but behind you and on either side. Check your mirrors frequently, but be sure to look over your shoulder behind you when changing lanes or backing up.

ANTICIPATE & REACT TO OTHERS Anticipate possible driving errors by others and be ready to react safely to make up for their mistakes.

Answer 4

Ok

1. Aim high in steering:

Always try to look as far ahead as possible. Identify potential hazards, adjust accordingly.

2. Get the big Picture:

Always be aware of what is going on in front - the most important space. Behind, and to the sides of you. Again, your reading cars, reading pedestrians, reading signs, etc... anything can happen and when you not looking it usually does.

3. Keep your eyes moving:

Always scan, do not get the dazed look of the typical motorist. In order to achieve steps 1 and 2 you have to constantly be identify potential hazards, predicting traffic flow and using your best judgment.

Example; you are approaching a traffic light, it's been red for awhile and you know it's about to change to green. There is an empty lane and when it changes you could zoom right through without slowing down. A. What if there is a car that runs the yellow/red light? Just because it's green doesnt mean it's clear. B.There is a group of teen's on bikes waiting to cross the intersection. (one may see the yellow and jump the gun.) C.There is a semi taking up the right turn lane and the inside though lane with his right turn signal on. (this semi may cut into your lane to get the space needed to make the right turn) And you have to identify all this at 35 mph in less that 1/4 mile of travel distance. Proper course of action? Simple, slow down and be prepared to stop.

4. Leave yourself an out:

Especially during high traffic periods. Always predict the worse scenario, and think your way out of it. If you blow a front tire? The ladder in the back of the pick up truck. A semi looses a re-tread? All of these happen, and have happened to me. Plan ahead, and be ready and alert. It's like a test, if your studying the road, you will pass the test. If you take your road for granted a assume you will breeze through you may fail the test.

5. Make sure they see you: Always signal your intentions, always assume the other driver has no idea you are beside them. Alway's be alert, you may be the only one who is.