You have just turned sixteen, taken the driving test, and passed with flying colors. What gift do you expect to get for your seventeenth birthday? Imagine pulling up in a rare classic or a spanking new sports car on the first day of college.
Ah yes… that is the experience all of us keep dreaming about. Many of us who have been lucky can testify to the fact that it goes down as one of the most memorable experiences in your life.
However, in all the hype and excitement of the new car, getting your license, and going out with your friends, we all miss some very important things we should be paying attention to.
In this article, we look at five things, first-time drivers need to pay attention to0. These things will help you be safe on the road and prepare you for all the challenges you are likely to face on the open road.
List of 5 Things First Time Drivers Need to Pay Attention to
1. Knowing your Car in Detail
Looking at the car from outside can be a very pleasurable thing. However, as a first-time driver you need to be aware of the internal mechanics of the car. This means knowing where the important parts are, how do they work, and what function do they perform.
This will help you when it comes to breakdowns or having small issues like overheating and so on. If it is a new model, you might have to guide the technicians, as to where the parts are. It will also help you increase your knowledge and form a bond with your car.
2. Being prepared for Unforeseen Incidents
If you are out on the road, chances of something happening are more common than you think. No matter how prepared you are for the same, you cannot control so many variables present on the road. You can be safe and drive in a responsible fashion, but what about the other person?
This is why San Diego car accident attorneys suggest that if you are part of an accident, you should immediately get in touch with your legal counsel. Do not make the mistake of trying to do things on your own. You might get into more trouble than you think.
3. Knowing the Limits of your Driving
Youth is an age where the hormones are rushing fast enough to blank sound rationality. This may get us into uncomfortable situations like races, night rides, and other activities, which you should avoid under all circumstances.
As a first time driver, there will be a lot of peer pressure on you to do things, which are well beyond your abilities. It is important to exercise logic and rationality and step back from things, which can lead you to difficult situations.
4. Knowing the Basics of Servicing your Car
First-time drivers should try to do as much work, in their own car themselves. This means washing your car every week, changing flats, removing the used oil, and refilling with the new one. It also includes changing brake oil and small maintenance work.
Apart from the obvious information and knowledge, this can help you stay mobile when there are no service stations or mechanics around. You can take help from YouTube videos to learn all the basics. You do not have to be an automobile engineer to know about these basics.
5. Following all the Road Legal Rules
Driving is a big responsibility that you have as a citizen of the state. It is essential that you follow all the road rules, which have been put in place by the authorities. This is not only for your safety but also for the safety of others who are occupying the same road space.
This will always work to keep you out of trouble like accidents, fines, and license issues. It will also allow you to enjoy driving without fear of being chased down by the police. Knowing the rules is one thing, following them in another.
The Final Word
Driving your car can be one of the most pleasurable experiences known to man. With so many great vehicles and manufacturers working hard to make perfect cars, first-time drivers who have just got their licenses have a lifetime of fun and enjoyment in front of them.