Six Car Driving Tips for First Time Car Buyers

Bringing in your first car at home is always special and so is taking it out on the roads to explore the world—think of all the adventure and memorable drives awaiting you. But before you embark on a drive, always make sure to carry your driving licence and car insurance documents along. Surely, you would not like to get caught by the traffic police and be penalised for driving without the required papers on the very first day of driving your new car. Also, make sure to follow all traffic rules and regulations to ensure your safety and that of others. For first-time car buyers, here are some tips for driving a car safely:

1. Slow Acceleration

Do you feel like pressing the accelerator and speeding along before others as soon as the traffic signal becomes green? This is common among most first-time drivers but you must control your impulses. Always increase the speed slowly as it is good for the engine as well. Bring the car to roll along slowly from a complete stop and then push the accelerator down in steps. Try to feel the position of the wheels to avoid potholes, a common feature on Indian roads.

2. Steer Steadily

Keep your hands firmly on the steering wheel to keep it steady. This is important for moving in a straight line on the road or during taking turns or changing lanes. Try to stay in the lane meant for your type of car and maintain adequate distance from other vehicles while taking turns or during changing lanes. In case you see a turn or exit coming up, move to the correct lane—left or right—a little early. You may cause problems to the other drivers if you suddenly bring your car in front of their car while taking a turn. The far-left lane is usually for exits and the centre lane for travelling long distances at a constant speed.

3. Control the Brakes

Do not push the brake all of a sudden. It can result in your car getting hit by another car or two-wheeler from behind. You may also hit a vehicle or a pedestrian if you are not able to control the brakes and bring the car to a stop abruptly. It is possible to injure yourself or your fellow passengers as sudden brakes can knock people out of the seats. Strap on the seat belts to keep the impact at a minimum. If you see the signals turning yellow, start applying pressure on the brakes to bring the car to a halt at the proper time. Despite that, if there is an unfortunate incident, inform your insurer immediately. You may call up the emergency number given on your car insurance policy to get help.

4. Do Not Over Speed

Adhere to the speed limits even if you are extremely confident about your driving skills. Rash driving, which is common on Indian roads, is the reason behind most of the accidents. It is for your safety as well as that of others on the road that you must drive at a medium speed or as specified by the traffic department. The traffic department takes into account several aspects such as road type, frequency of accidents, traffic volume, and visibility while fixing the speed limits for different types of roads such as highways, flyovers, and crossroads.

5. Maintain reasonable distance

You should keep a safe distance from the car ahead of you to avoid a collision. Since you have a new car, you would not want it damaged, needing repair. Also, if you are a new driver, your reaction time would be slower than those with more experience.  This would also save you spending a considerable amount on repairing costs.

Switch on the blinkers, turn signals, and/or use indicators to communicate to others when you are going to take turns or change direction. Use horn only when it is absolutely necessary, or it would be irritating for other drivers on the road.

6. Observe road signs

Before you start driving your car on the roads, make sure to have proper knowledge about the traffic rules, road signs, signals, markings such as zebra crossing, no parking etc. Do not ignore these signs as they have been put there for a reason which is your safety and that of others on the road.

Stay alert of other drivers on the road and keep yourself ready for emergencies. Look in the side and rear-view mirrors frequently to check the cars behind you, particularly while reversing your car or changing lanes.

Driving your first car may give you a mixed feeling of nervousness and joy. To enhance the joy and gradually, get over the nervousness, make sure you always follow the above-mentioned tips. Also, get an offline or online car insurance policy as soon as you finalise your car purchase so that you stay protected every time you are on the road with your new car, and otherwise.