If you recently become a qualified driver, massive congratulations are in order!
Becoming a fully-fledged driver is one of the best leaps towards independence and adulthood, but do not get too excited just yet – it is a massive responsibility to shoulder. What you do behind the wheel from now on does not just affect you but everyone else on the road.
Driving is a big deal, and driving in a city that never sleeps is even more intense. New York is one of the most iconic cities in America and represents everything great about America.
If you are planning on driving around the Big Apple, or anywhere else for that matter, you need to know these five essential things:
Obey Traffic Rules
Traffic rules exist for a reason and are not to be taken lightly.
Road signs, speed limits, following distance, and obeying traffic signals are all part of helping drivers to be safe on the roads. Not only will following these rules help to get you safely to and from your destinations, but it will also help keep you from getting traffic tickets.
Traffic tickets can be expensive. If you get enough of them, you could get disqualified from driving for the rest of your life.
Watch Your Speed
According to government sources, new drivers are far more likely to speed than older ones.
The higher your speed, the more time it will take to slow your car down – that is just simple science. If you need more convincing to lighten up on the pedal, research the difference between accidents and their subsequent injuries and damages at varying speeds.
Speeding will ensure that you get more tickets, and that will increase your car insurance premium.
The time it will take you to brake increases exponentially once you drive at over 45MPH. Slow it down, no matter how late you are – speeding is never worth the risk.
Always Wear Your Seatbelt
The best defense against other drivers is by wearing a seat belt.
Do not be one of the 28 million people who do not wear one. When it comes to safety, there is no excuse not to buckle up.
It does not matter how short the trip is, Ferrari Driving School in Queens, NY will teach you that wearing a seat belt is one of the most effective ways to save lives on the roads.
Do Not Get Distracted
When you first start driving, you will likely notice that it is difficult to focus on anything other than driving and the road ahead of you. As you build up more and more experience behind the wheel, you may be tempted to try and multitask.
Do. Not. Give. In. To. The. Temptation.
Texting while driving is one of the biggest killers on American roads, causing almost 400 fatalities every year. That is a gruesome statistic that you do not ever want to be part of.
Pedestrian Antics
When driving anywhere in the world, look out for pedestrians.
Most pedestrians are daring and often jaywalk, so always be aware of your surroundings. This tip is particularly important when you are approaching a crosswalk, but that does not mean that is the only place where pedestrians will attempt to cross.
Despite being illegal, jaywalking is still a major problem in the big cities.
To End
Stay safe on the roads and you will be well on your way to becoming a happy and experienced driver. It is not just about your safety, but it is about the safety of everyone on the roads.