Statistics revealing the vulnerability of new drivers on the roads are never far away. For instance, Brake reports that 1 in 5 new drivers crashes within their first year, with over 1,500 young motorists killed or seriously injured annually. Furthermore, the AA reports that nearly 40% of drivers under 23 have already been involved in a crash.
This article will explore road safety tips to help you reduce the risk of an accident and enjoy the freedom of driving safely with confidence.
Say ‘No!’ to Peer Pressure
Having friends in the car can make you feel pressured to prove yourself, leading to behaviours like driving faster, taking risks or acting out of character. But this is often how accidents happen. As the driver, you are responsible for keeping everyone safe, so it’s up to you to stay in charge and refuse unsafe requests.
Equally, if you’re a passenger, you have the right to decide whether you feel safe getting in. If you’re uneasy about a friend’s driving, don’t be afraid to say no to the ride. Remember, your safety and the safety of others are far more important than impressing anyone.
Stay off Mobile Phones
A quick glance at a text or social media notification might seem harmless, but that moment you take your eyes off the road could be fatal or life-changing for you, your passengers or another road user. Before you set off, put your phone on silent or store it out of reach.
If you need your phone for directions, switch on ‘Do Not Disturb’, enter your destination into the navigation app, and secure it on a hands-free mount on your dashboard before moving. Staying entirely focused on the road makes every journey that much safer.
Learn to Drive at Night Confidently
Driving at night can seem intimidating when you’re new behind the wheel, as the glare from headlights often makes it harder to see clearly. To build your confidence and avoid accidents, consider taking night lessons with an experienced driving instructor. This will give you the opportunity to become accustomed to handling your headlights correctly and managing the glare of oncoming vehicles in a controlled setting.
Hands on the Wheel
Keeping both hands firmly on the wheel is a simple but crucial habit. If you drive one-handed or get distracted by fiddling with the radio, snacks or climate controls, you’ll lose precious reaction time if something unexpected happens. By making it a habit to hold the wheel properly, at the 9 and 3 or 10 and 2 positions, you’re always ready to steer quickly and safely.
Always Wear Your Seatbelt Correctly
A road safety tip that is sometimes underestimated is wearing your seatbelt and wearing it correctly. Even at low speeds, a seatbelt can be the difference between minor injuries and something life-threatening.
Whether a driver or passenger, avoid the common mistake of skipping it on short trips or wearing it incorrectly. Make fastening your seatbelt across your shoulder and lap the very first step whenever you get in a car. It’s a small action that offers the biggest protection.
Don’t Drive When Tired
Among the road safety tips is not to drive when tired. It is known to slow your reaction time and may cause you to miss hazards completely. If you’re struggling to keep your eyes open or you find yourself yawning repeatedly, don’t push through.
Switch on the air conditioning or open a window for fresh air, then pull over somewhere safe to take a quick nap, have a stretch or grab a coffee to re-energise. Recognising your limits and taking breaks shows maturity and keeps both you and others safe on the road.
Shad Zahoor is a highly qualified driving instructor based in Nottingham, with over 10 years of experience teaching learner drivers. He holds an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) qualification from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) and specialises in helping nervous beginners gain confidence behind the wheel. Shad’s teaching philosophy centres on patience, clear communication, and fostering a positive learning environment.
He excels in advanced driving techniques and defensive driving, offering tailored lessons to suit individual needs. With a passion for road safety and a commitment to producing skilled, responsible drivers, Shad takes pride in his high pass rate and helping people achieve their dream of driving.