New Driver Tips 

There’s nothing more invigorating than the freedom that comes with a freshly minted driver’s license. But with that freedom comes responsibility for one’s self and others you’re sharing the road with. Whether you’re driving a new Chevrolet equipped with Teen Driver technology or an older vehicle, these tips will help you stay out of harm’s way, cultivate better driving habits and grow into a more experienced driver.

Always wear your seat belt – According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over half of the fatal crashes involving teens and young adults were ones where the occupants were unbuckled. Simply put, seat belts save lives. Wear yours and make sure your passengers are wearing theirs before starting any journey.

Get comfortable – Before you set off, adjust your seat to the position you find most comfortable. Afterward, adjust your mirrors for the best views of traffic behind you. You’ll want to be as comfortable as possible and have as much rearward visibility while driving.

Never drink and drive – Alcohol and automobiles don’t mix, period. Driving while intoxicated or under the influence of any mind-altering element could end disastrously for you and everyone around you. Have a designated driver for your return home or skip the drive entirely and call a cab, instead.

Keep your hands off the phone – Recent studies found texting or talking on the phone while driving to be just as dangerous as driving while under the influence. While Chevrolet vehicles come equipped with the latest in hands-free technology, talking while driving can still create dangerous distractions for new drivers. Wait until you’ve safely pulled over and parked before you make a phone call or read a text message.

Avoid other distractions while driving – That includes messing with the radio controls, eating and drinking and chatting with backseat passengers. Any of these can take your focus off the road and increase your risk of getting into an accident.

Stick to the speed limit – Sammy Hagar couldn’t drive 55 – but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t, either. Speed limits exist for a reason and breaking those limits only increases your risk of a serious or fatal crash. Speeding in certain areas, including active work zones and school zones, can land you with hefty fines and license points.

Don’t tailgate other drivers – Tailgating or following other drivers too closely can land you in a world of hurt. If the vehicle ahead makes a sudden stop, you won’t have enough time to react and avoid the impending collision. Not only is tailgating bad practice, but it’ll also earn you a citation and possibly even points on your license. Practice safe following distances instead and leave at least three to five seconds of distance in front of other vehicles.

Keep an eye on the skies – Driving in heavy rain or snow is much different – and usually more dangerous – than driving under clear skies and dry pavement. For instance, your tires won’t have as much grip in wet or icy weather, leading to increased braking distances. If you must drive in bad weather, slow down and adjust your driving distance to compensate for conditions.

Check your blind spots regularly – Every vehicle has a spot where it’s very difficult or sometimes impossible to see other vehicles. While most vehicles have blind spot collision detection to deal with vehicles in your blind spot, it’s no substitute for common sense and defensive driving. Adjusting your mirrors properly will help you reduce or even eliminate blind spots.

Keep right except to pass other vehicles – The left lane is reserved for passing slower vehicles, so stay in the right lane unless you’re passing another vehicle. Cruising in the left lane not only annoys other drivers, but it also disrupts traffic flow while encouraging other drivers to pass on the right – a dangerous move that could cause crashes.

Look out for other drivers – The open road is full of good drivers – and bad drivers. Unfortunately, you’ll never know which ones you’ll encounter until it’s too late. With that said, be ready for other drivers to engage in erratic or negligent driving behavior and give them a wide berth when they do.

Practice makes (almost) perfect – The more time you spend on the road, the more you’ll learn and the more comfortable you’ll become with driving in various situations. Don’t be afraid to practice – preferably with a more experienced driver in the passenger seat – if there are certain aspects of driving you’re not comfortable with or used to.

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