What Are Some Car Driving Safety Instructions
If you’re going to learn to drive for the first time, LTrent Driving School is here to help. In this blog, we’ll go over some basic safety tips that will help you stay safe as you learn. Let’s get started.
1. Wear Your Seat Belt
Wearing a seat belt is mandatory for drivers and all passengers when operating a vehicle. Consistently wearing your seat belt while driving will dramatically reduce your risk of serious injuries or death if you’re involved in a crash.
2. Never Use A Mobile Phone While Driving
It’s illegal for learners, P1 and P2 licence holders to use a mobile phone in any way while driving. Avoid distracted driving, and don’t pick up your phone!
3. Always Check Blind Spots
Make sure to do head checks when switching lanes or making any other manoeuvre into another lane. Checking your mirrors alone is not enough to catch vehicles that may be in your blind spot.
4. Maintain 3-4 Seconds Of Distance Between Your Car & The Car In Front Of You
To ensure you have enough time to brake safely in an emergency, keep 3-4 seconds of distance between yourself and the car ahead of you.
You can check your following distance by looking at objects by the side of the road, like stop signs or other road signs.
Once the car in front of you passes the object, start counting “one one thousand, two one thousand,” and so on.
Each “one thousand” will be about a second. Once your vehicle passes the object on the side of the road, you’ll know how much space and time are between your cars, and you can adjust accordingly.
5. Always Obey Posted Speed Limits
Never exceed the posted speed limits, and note that L platers are restricted to a 90 km/h speed limit in NSW, even in areas with higher posted speed limits. Speeding is dangerous and can result in stiff penalties or licence suspension.
6. Hold Your Steering Wheel Properly
Always hold your steering wheel with two hands at “9 and 3”. Imagine where the 9 o’clock and 3 o’clock positions would be on a clock, and place your hands accordingly. Never drive one-handed.
7. Take Breaks When Driving Long Distance
It’s a good idea to take a break every hour or two when driving long distances. This helps you stay alert and sharp while driving. If you’re driving for more than 3-4 hours, consider swapping driving duties with another driver to avoid fatigue.
Stay Safe With These Driving Tips – And Lessons From LTrent Driving School
Want to learn more about safe driving and defensive driving? Contact LTrent Driving School today to schedule driving lessons in VIC or NSW, and get all the information and instructions you need to drive safely as a learner. For a more in depth and practical lesson, Learner Drivers can also complete the Safer Drivers Course which accounts for 20 of your logbook hours.