6 Ways Student Drivers Can Prevent an Accident

The best way to learn how to drive is to get behind the wheel! Unfortunately, it can also be dangerous. Student drivers don't have practice, knowledge, or experience driving on the road, which means they're much more likely to cause accidents.

That doesn't mean teens should avoid getting behind the wheel. Instead, it means that the teen and everyone involved in their drivers education should look for ways to prevent the possibility of an accident as they get the hang of driving on the road.

Study the Rules of the Road

It's true that many road rules are intuitive. Most teens know that seeing a stop sign means stopping, and that you should always stay on the right hand side of the road when driving in the United States, but there are many other rules that aren't so intuitive.

That's why it's a teen's first job to study the rules of the road carefully. One of the easiest ways to do that is by taking a practice driving test online before taking the state test to get a permit or a license. Another thing that can help you is to find a partner who can write your essay for you while you try to memorize the rules. 

Reputable online practice tests are verified against the official drivers manual, and they mimic the format and questions new drivers will see on the test. Grab a manual, do a little studying, and take the test to make sure you are confident about the rules of the road before getting behind the wheel.

Take Drivers Ed Seriously

Drivers Ed is a must for new drivers. It really is the best way to learn how to drive safely. Unfortunately, that doesn't mean all teen drivers take the class seriously.

It's easy to blow off your studies, no matter what the topic, but drivers Ed is one class where blowing off your studies can have disastrous consequences. A simple mistake behind the wheel can result in a deadly accident. Pittsburgh car accident lawyers point out that auto accidents are actually the number one cause of death for American teenagers.

Follow the directions of your driver's Ed teacher, study what you've learned after class, and practice the new skills you're being taught behind the wheel.

Although you can find online drivers Ed courses, it is much better if you take a course in person. You really can't recreate the driver's Ed experience accurately online.

Practice with a Vehicle You Feel Comfortable Driving

There are quite a few cars out there that are perfect for new drivers. Surprisingly, they aren't old beaters either. Although mom and dad may be less worried about you getting into an accident driving a ten-year-old Camry, newer cars have way more safety features, like auto braking and backup cameras, that can keep you safe on the road.

However, the safety of the vehicle isn't all you have to consider. You also have to consider how comfortable you are driving the vehicle.

It's a good idea to practice driving the kind of vehicle that you'll be driving after you get your license. Only after you get comfortable driving that kind of vehicle should you practice driving others, like a large van or a manual car.

Always Drive with Someone You Feel Comfortable With

Not only should you practice driving a car you feel comfortable in, you should also practice driving with someone who makes you feel comfortable.

Don't let your desire to practice driving mean you're willing to get into the car with your great aunt who you only see once or twice a year. Instead, you should drive with a parent who makes you feel comfortable and confident behind the wheel. Not only can they teach you the rules of the road, they can also help you get used to using higher-order driving skills, like spotting and avoiding potential hazards.

Eliminate All Distractions

Distractions in the car are dangerous. They can cause accidents for even the most seasoned drivers, so it makes sense that they can be especially devastating to new drivers.

When you're just learning how to drive, and even after you have gotten your license, it is important to cut back on distractions in the car. That includes things like:

• Turning off your cell phone and placing it in the backseat.

• Never eat while you're trying to drive the car.

• Keeping the music down, or turn off the radio altogether.

• Adjusting the seat and mirrors before you start driving.

• Setting the thermostat before you start driving.

Limit the Number of Passengers in the Car

While you're learning how to drive, it's also important to limit the number of passengers in the car. When carrying just one passenger under the age of 21, your chances of experiencing an accident increase by 44 percent!

While you're learning, only allow passengers in the car who are over the age of 21 and helping you learn how to drive. When you get your license, it continues to be a good idea to limit the number of friends you have in the car with you.

Don't let learning how to drive a car turn to tragedy! Stay safe and keep the car in one piece with the tips on this list.