Georgia Teen Driving Tips
When you first start out driving, there seems to be a LOT to remember. And although many of these tasks become second nature after a few years of being on the roads, it still helps to be reminded of proper road behavior every now and again. Utilizing defensive driving techniques will also help you prevent any sort of hazard before it has time to reach you. Follow these basic driving tips, and soon enough, they’ll simply become a habit!
Check Your Mirrors
Make sure your side- and rear-view mirrors are all positioned to give you a good view of the road around you. You don’t want to risk any crashes due to blind spots, and though you should always turn your head over your shoulder before you change lanes, there are ways to maximize your viewing area with your mirrors. Your side mirrors should show the length of your car and the full width of the lane next to you; your rear-view mirror should be centered and show as much of the road directly behind you as possible.
Maintain Proper Seat Position
Another basic driving tip is to make sure your feet comfortably rest on the pedals, and you do not have to stretch to find them. Similarly, you should not be so close as to cause your knees to jam into your steering wheel! Your seat and back should be square, and you should be sitting upright without slouching to reach the pedals. You can adjust the distance of the seat, and the angle of the back of the seat to reach perfect form and comfort. You can even adjust the height of your steering wheel!
Practice the 3-Second Rule
The three second rule refers to a tactic of road behavior associated with following. If you follow the car in front of you too closely, you risk not having enough reaction time to in the event of a sudden stop. But if you always maintain at least 3 seconds of distance between yourself and the car preceding you, chances are higher that you will be able to slow or stop in time to avoid a crash. To count the 3 seconds, pick a landmark up ahead on the road. Once the car in front of you has reached that landmark, count the second it then takes for your own car to reach it. If it’s less than 3 seconds’ distance, you’re following too closely!
Maintain the Speed Limit
Speed limits are in place for a reason! While many times the general speed of the roadway prevails, you should still always be aware of the posted speed limits and adhere to them as much as possible. It’s one of the driving decisions that people do not pay enough attention to. Fast speeds combined with inattention to the roads can lead to tragedy.
Know How to Park Anywhere!
Throughout your time on the roads, you’ll likely encounter some situations in which your basic parking lot just won’t suffice. Know where your emergency brake is and how to use it; always put it in place when you’re parked on a hill. Make sure you thoroughly practice your parallel parking skills, and that you inspect your parking job every time you exit your vehicle. If you’re too close to another car on either side, you risk damaging that vehicle or vice versa – and either way, you’ll be the one responsible because you didn’t park properly! Bad road behavior extends to the times that your car isn’t even in motion.
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