SAFETY AND ROAD TIPS FOR YOUNG DRIVERS
The most important thing to know before driving is the general rules for the driver and the roads. This will help to keep you and others safe while on the road.
To keep young drivers and others safe, here are some tips to help you out:
TIPS TO KEEP YOURSELF SAFE IN THE CAR
1. Wear Seatbelts - Seatbelts are in cars for a reason - They are a key safety features that restrain the driver and the passengers in the event of a crash or sudden stop, preventing them from being ejected from the car.
Study by the Centre for Accident Research and Road Safety in Queensland shows that you're 10 times more likely to be killed in a road crash if you are not wearing a seat belt.
Seatbelts are effective because they not only prevent the driver from flying forwards, but also dissipate impact to the chest and pelvis, the stronger parts of the body. This can prevent you from being severly injured in an accident.
2. Remove Distractions - Especially for teenagers, it can be difficult to focus as they are constantly using technology. Using phones when driving can lead to accidents due to the lack of concentration and control of the car. Mobile phones account for 1 in 4 car crashes. To keep yourself safe, put your phone in the glovebox and out of sight when driving.
Avoid eating while driving as well due to the same reasons. If you are feeling pekish, stop at a rest station for a snack and then continue driving.
3. Sleep! - Sleep is one of the most important factors for a teen's development. Inadequate sleep can lead to fatigue.
What is fatigue?
Fatigue is extreme and ongoing tiredness. It usually takes time to recover from fatigue, as it drains the body both physically and mentally, with reduced energy levels. This can lead to poor judgement skills and lack of concentration when driving.
This is very dangerous especially for inexperienced drivers by increasing the likelihood of crashing.
Fatigue among teenagers is caused by stress from school, lack of sleep, overthinking and poor diet.
To prevent fatigue, teenage learner and provisional drivers should aim for 8 - 10 hours of sleep per night.
HOW TO KEEP OTHERS SAFE WHILE YOU DRIVE
1. Keep within the posted speed limit - Often times, teenage learner and provisional drivers will go over the speed limit to show off to their friends, or pressure from other drivers to go faster.
As a learner, there is no need to keep up with the traffic - drive at your own pace and within the speed limit.
Not doing so will lead to fines, demerit points, and fatal accidents in severe cases.
2. Look at road signs and pedestrian crossings - When learning to drive, it is important to get in the habit of understanding the different road signs. These include:
STOP - This means you have to STOP your vehicle. Not doing so may lead to a T-bone crash that will cause injury to you and the other driver.
Give way - Slow down and prepare to give way to passing vehicles. Once the road is clear, you may pass.
Pedestrian crossings - Always slow down near pedestrian crossings to prevent hitting a passerby. Not only is it important to maintain your safety, but also the safety of others. This includes school zones (which you will frequently driveby as a teenager in highschool).
No overtaking - Roads may be narrow so this is in place to prevent collisions.
These are just a few to name.
3. Use your headlights - over 40% of the crashes happen at night time.
When driving at night, it is especially difficult to see what is ahead of you. Make sure to turn on your head lights so that you can see ahead of you and others can see you too.
Avoid turning on high beam as it may temporarily blind the driver and cause an accident.
4. Tailgating - Ever hear your parents complain about a bloody tailgate behind them?
Tailgating is driving to close to the rear of the car infront of you. This can cause a collision, especially when the car infront suddenly brakes. It is important to maintain the 3 second rule, by leaving a 3 second gap between you and the car ahead.
Learn more at Access Canberra for the full Driver's Handbook.
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