In the United States, it’s common practice for people to get their driver’s license at the age of sixteen, though some young drivers wait until they’re eighteen. While less common, some individuals wait until they’re older to get their driver’s licenses and that’s okay too. Regardless if you’re sixteen or twenty-five, you’ll need to become a good driver and the learning process is the same for everyone.

As someone who is venturing into the world of driving, it’s important that you understand the main causes of car accidents: driving while intoxicated by alcohol or drugs, speeding, and distracted driving. Learn more about the drunk driving epidemic by clicking here.

For youngsters, one of the main causes of crashes is simply driver inexperience. Teens also have a huge problem with texting while driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), “Distracted driving is dangerous, claiming 3,477 lives in 2015 alone.” So, driver distraction is something to be aware of and avoid regardless of your age because it affects all of us.

How Can I Gain Confidence Behind the Wheel?

Driving for the first time can be scary, but it can also be exciting and exhilarating. For most new drivers, getting their driver’s license for the first time means a sense of freedom and independence.

Tips Promote Safe and Confident Driving:

• What’s the single most effective way to become a good driver? Practice, practice, practice – there’s just no other substitute for good old fashioned practice.

• Always wear your seat belt and ensure that all passengers do the same.

• Take a driver education course complete with classroom and actual driving instruction. Check out this list of licensed driving schools, approved by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC).

• Read New Jersey’s Basic Automobile Driver Manual in full so you understand the rules of the road.

• When you start driving (outside of driver’s education), practice in a parking lot before you drive on the streets.

• When you start practicing, do so with someone who is not only experienced at driving, but who is calm and patient. You don’t need the person teaching you to yell or scream at you as this can increase the chance of making a mistake.

• Once you’ve mastered the parking lot, move on to side streets in residential neighborhoods.

• After mastering side streets, you can graduate to busier streets.

• Do not drive on the freeway (highway) until you’re very comfortable driving in the city. And when you do first merge on the freeway, make sure you have someone (experienced at driving) sitting in the passenger seat, teaching you how to merge safely on the freeway.

• Always obey the traffic laws and do not drive too fast for conditions.

• Avoid speeding and never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

• Consider enrolling in a defensive driving course.

• Do NOT text while driving and be aware of driver distractions that can take your eyes off the road, your hands off the wheel, and your mind off the task of driving.

Becoming a good driver is a process. It takes education, time and lots of practice. By following these tips, you’ll be a confident driver in no time at all! If you’re looking for a Hackensack car accident lawyer, contact our firm for a free case evaluation.