If you are new to driving, you must be prepared to make mistakes and learn whenever you’re behind the wheel.
We recently spoke with Lloydminster Motor Club President Randy Marsh regarding tips for new drivers after being alerted to a press release of driving tips from the Alberta RCMP.
After spending the first six months of his driving career overly concerned about causing an accident or doing anything wrong, he recounted words his driving instructor gave him.
“Assume everyone else is a moron … I’m not joking; my exam instructor told me those exact words when I went out and got my novice license,” said Marsh.
“It’s really the only words that have stuck with me, and it rings true several times per day.”
According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving, road and other crash deaths were the leading cause of fatalities for people aged 19-24 in 2022. They also have the highest death rate per kilometre driven for any age group under 75 and more 19-year-olds die or are seriously injured than any other group.
“Learning to drive can be fun and overwhelming. As a new driver, there’s lots to keep in mind while navigating the roadways,” said the Alberta RCMP. “Thankfully, over the past decade, young and new drivers have become less involved in fatal and injury collisions.”
They provided a list of tips for making driving safer for drivers of all ages, but especially young drivers.
- If you have your learner or probationary license, you must always be accompanied by a valid Class 5 licence holder.
- Distracted driving is a leading cause of major accidents. Stay off your phone and other devices when you are behind the wheel.
- Your passenger’s safety is also your responsibility. Make sure everyone is wearing their seatbelt.
- The posted speed limit is the limit for ideal conditions. Slow down if road conditions are not ideal.
- Highways tend to be busier in the summer. Give yourself extra time to reach your destination.
- Be aware of your surroundings, and don’t tailgate. Only pass when it is safe to do so.
- Be mindful of other roadway users, such as bicycles and motorcycles. They are not always easily seen.
- Driving for the first time can be nerve-wracking; be patient with new drivers.
Marsh agrees with the above and shares a few tips of his own for those who are brand new to operating motor vehicles.
“So, assume you’re invisible and preemptively act as such. When you’re driving, you’re not just driving for you. You’re driving for everyone else around you, so be mindful of safety, yourself, and others, ” Marsh advised. “I know people like to stunt, race, etc, but there’s a time and place for it. Public roadways, not the place.”
With the winter fast approaching, he said if you’re uneasy about driving in ice/snow, you might want to find an empty parking lot at night and practice.
“Practice evasive maneuvers, practice e-brake turns, practice reverse J-turns,” said Marsh. “Purposely make your car lose control and understand and learn how to control and correct it.”
No one expects young drivers to be perfect. Marsh knows mistakes will happen and hopes drivers use them as learning experiences. The RCMP simply want new drivers to be safe. It reminds everyone that driving is a huge responsibility and reminds drivers to follow all traffic laws to help keep all roadway users safe.
Read More:Lloyd RCMP target dangerous driving
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