Precious Cargo: 5 Critical Driver Safety Tips for New Drivers

Every year, more than 3 million people in the United States alone experience an injury from an automotive accident.

There’s no doubt that the introduction of the automobile has afforded the world an incredible new level of transportation ability and interconnectedness. But it has come with its downsides and safety issues.

Put simply, anyone operating a two-ton machine that hurtles down the road at seventy miles an hour should have basic driver safety principles ingrained in their head. To that end, we’ve written this article. For five basic driver safety tips, read on.

Practice in Low-Pressure Environments

Practice makes perfect.

Driving is no rule to that exception. For you to be a good, safe driver, you need to practice as much as possible. But if you’re a new driver just starting out, then chances are that you don’t want to go out onto a busy interstate to start doing that kind of practice.

Instead, consider practicing in a low-pressure environment and working your way up. Start on a parking lot. Then go on some back roads.

Only take it to busy city intersections when you’re confident in your skills and ability.

Drive Defensively

The next tip that you need to know is that you should drive defensively wherever you go. Every driver safety program ever will teach you this.

The basic idea of driving defensively is that you should always be on the watch out for other vehicles. Whenever someone creeps up against your lane, enters your field of vision, or seems to be doing something wonky in your review mirror your guard should be up.

Never Drive Sleepy

We all know that driving inebriated is a crime that can get you jail time — there is likely perenially a related recent case in your area. But did you also know that driving sleepy can also carry a punishment?

If you’re not fully awake, then you’re not fully alert and may not have the reflexes to react against something like a car cutting into your lane or a deer jumping across the road.

Make sure that you’re always well-rested when you get behind the wheel of your car.

Put Cellphones Away

Cellphones are a huge distraction while driving. Remove the temptation to check your phone while driving by putting it somewhere that you can’t access it for the duration of your drive. Use Bluetooth controls in your car to take calls and switch music tracks instead of the actual device.

Secure Your Cargo

The last thing to consider is that you should secure your cargo before you begin your drive. Otherwise, if you have to swerve this way and that, the cargo could become dislodged and adversely affect the weight balance of the vehicle.

Driver Safety, Made Simple

There you have it! With these driver safety tips under your belt, you should now be far better able to take care of yourself on the roads while you’re hauling cargo behind the wheel.

For more driving advice, check out the rest of the website!