When you're the one behind the wheel, it's your responsibility to protect not only those in the vehicle, but also pedestrians sharing the road with you. While the idea of driver safety might seem simple, it's crucial to understand that there are many behaviours and actions that can actually be considered unsafe when you take a closer look. Performing notorious actions like driving faster than the speed limit, and accelerating aggressively, can seriously put your safety at risk. We’ve put together a few tips to follow as a new car driver, especially if you are driving an automatic car for the first time.
Automatic car driving tips
Take a look at some helpful automatic car driving tips to follow:
Feeling excessively anxious can negatively affect your driving performance. It's vital to maintain your composure while holding the steering wheel. Even before you start driving, ensure you're comfortable in your seat. Adjust the seat to an upright position, get your feet comfortably positioned, and relax your hands on the steering wheel. Don't forget to fasten your seatbelt securely before you begin driving the car.
Despite the differences between manual and automatic vehicles, the core driving techniques remain largely the same. Essential skills like adjusting your speed and making turns will carry over from manual to automatic cars. So, before you start driving an automatic car for the first time, it's wise to practise extensively with manual cars before transitioning to automatic ones.
As a beginner driver, it's crucial to become skilled with the three types of gears. The ‘Park’ gear keeps your wheels stationary, providing better control over the steering. It's a good idea to begin with the car in park gear when you start and stop. While driving, gradually switch to the ‘Drive’ gear, designed for open roads. In heavy traffic, consider using the ‘Neutral’ gear to facilitate smoother transitions. This helps ease the strain on your brakes and tires, ensuring your safety and your vehicle’s too.