Steps to Prevent Car Accidents for New Drivers

As a new driver, you have many adventures ahead of you. Getting a license to drive though does not come without responsibilities. You must stay alert and remain safe on the road to prevent accidents.

“At Briskman Briskman & Greenberg, our personal injury and car accident attorneys have seen first-hand the toll an auto accident can take on you and your loved ones. We have spent decades representing people who have been injured in car accidents or who have lost loved ones in fatal car accidents because of the carelessness of others,” says Briskman Briskman & Greenberg, a Chicago car accident firm.

If you are involved in a car accident, it’s better to contact a law firm to seek compensation for your injuries.

Let’s look at how to avoid car accidents and stay safe on the road.

Learn How to Drive Properly

Poor driving is one of the major reasons for car accidents. Keep a positive mindset before driving, as a lot of accidents happen because the driver didn’t believe in their driving skills.

Learn driving from a professional, or enroll in a professional driving course. This helps to identify and improve on any mistakes you may make. Learning yourself or with the help of a friend might be more fun, but you run the risk of learning to drive the wrong way or miss out on important safety tips.

Don’t drive at night if you are a new driver. Aim to drive during the day and anytime you do drive, do not have too many passengers on board with you. They can be a distraction for a new driver. The most important thing to focus on is watching the road, and other drivers, and paying attention to the traffic signals and signs.

Always Wear a Seat Belt

Seat belts can mean the difference between life and death when you’re on the road. Buckle up first thing after getting into the vehicle. Buckling up also applies to any passengers in the car. In some states, not wearing a seat belt is a punishable offense. Wear one at all times and stay safe and out of legal trouble.

Do Not Call or Text While Driving

Taking calls or reading texts on your phone while driving can be deadly to you and other drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcycle riders. One split second of inattention can result in a bad car accident.

Mute apps or notifications while driving, or better yet, turn the phone off while behind the wheel. When you safely reach your destination, turn it back on. Do not answer the phone while driving, even if you are using headphones.

Based on national data reported to the police, fatal accidents in the U.S. in 2022 resulted in the deaths of 3,308 people. Driving while distracted was considered to be a contributing factor by the police.

Do Not Drink and Drive

Drinking and driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs poses a risk to anyone standing near your car or driving alongside you. If you do drink, make sure you have a designated driver to take you home.

If you do not have a designated driver, call a cab or Uber or Lyft. Caution on your end can save multiple lives, while carelessness can take many.

Drive According to Road Conditions

Car accidents can also happen during bad weather, especially if you’re a new driver who hasn’t driven on slippery or wet roads. Even experienced drivers can get into accidents if they’re not careful enough.

Learning to drive during adverse weather is a skill that you must attain before hitting the road.
Depending on the country you live in, you can experience heavy storms or rainfall, snow, blowing sand, and even blizzards.

Rainfall and fog can blur vision and prevent you from seeing things clearly on the road. Rain and ice can make the roads slippery and your tires can skid and get you into an accident.

New drivers should avoid driving in bad weather until they have learned how to handle their vehicle and what defensive driving techniques may help them avoid a crash. However, if you do need to drive drive slowly without creating congestion on the road. Keep your headlights on to see clearly.

Keep your windshield wipers on and stop the car to wait for the weather to calm down if necessary. Always remember to pull off the road into a safe location.

Maintain Your Vehicle Regularly

Checking your vehicle regularly is crucial if you want to stay safe on the road. It is vitally important to ensure your steering, brakes, engine and other safety features, such as the airbag deployment system are in good working order.

Your goal is to have or buy a safe vehicle and to check the vehicle safety reports published by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Other Safety Measures to Follow

Some other safety measures prevent car accidents. For example, obey the speed limits and all traffic signals and signs when driving. Don’t speed or go too slow. Not following the posted speed limit can result in a fatal accident.

Keep a safe distance between you and the cars in front of and behind you and always use turn signals when driving, changing lanes, or are about to go down another road or street.

Stay focused and alert and do not drive while fatigued. One moment of distraction can result in the death of a loved one or another person. Also, use the safety features in your car to reduce the chances of getting into car accidents.

If you are involved in a car accident and do not know what to do, reach out and contact a car accident lawyer. The lawyer can advise you of your legal rights and explain the process for filing a lawsuit seeking compensation for any injuries you may have sustained.