Having finally obtained your license, you should be ready to join some 200 million Americans already behind the wheel. Even though you have successfully passed the tests, that doesn't mean you should become oblivious to the rules and pieces of advice on safe driving. Here are a couple of tips which you should apply during this period.
Obey all the rules
As you begin to drive, you'll soon notice even more how some drivers fail to obey certain traffic rules, such as using blinkers. Still, even though you don't see them crashing the next second, that doesn't mean you should become as reckless as they are. When it comes to driving, the rules are there to be followed, not broken.
Keep the distance
You've heard it before, and here it is again. Do not tailgate! This is one of the reasons for so many chain reaction accidents. Keep the safe distance from the vehicle in front of you. Remember the 3-second rule? Pick a random object in front of you (a tree, a house, a sign…) and notice when the vehicle in front of you passes it. At that moment, start slowly counting "one-one thousand, two-one thousand, three-one thousand". Should you pass the object before finishing the count, you're way too close, no matter how far it may seem to you.
Stay focused
Instead of don't drink and drive, it could also be said "don't eat and drive", or "don't text and drive"… The list is quite extensive. Watching the road, driving (and chatting with friends) is enough to be going on in such small space. Also, chatting doesn't mean turning around to say something to the person in the backseat. Channel surfing can be too much for you at the moment as well. For a newbie, it's vital to have as few distractions in your car as possible.
Get adjusted
It's highly likely that you'll be taking the car from someone in your family, unless you've already bought your own. In that case, remember that you're not really a 100% copy of your elder sister/brother, and you're probably much different from your parents. In a nutshell, always check if everything is in place. Adjust the seat and the mirrors to suit you before you set off.
No DUI
Driving under the influence, driving while intoxicated (DWI), operating while impaired (OWI)…There are lots of definitions for offenses concerning driving while drunk. If it still happened that you were caught driving under the influence in Illinois, visit this site for some timely legal help. DUI cases can have tough consequences, so it's more than recommendable to consult with a good attorney if you have failed to avoid such trouble.
In addition, take notice that sleep deprivation and tiredness can be risk factors, so avoid driving when you are feeling exhausted.
Listen to the forecast
When you are still fresh out of driving school, you probably haven't covered driving in all seasons and weather conditions, but you must have noticed how more accidents occur when it's raining or snowing. Weather conditions can make driving rather difficult, so be extra careful when the roads are wet or slippery – that implies longer braking time, and you should keep an even greater distance between the cars. 3-second rule is fine in close to ideal conditions.
It's OK to say no
The fact that you have successfully obtained your license may seem like a dream come true for you and your friends. You have probably already made plans about all the places you wish to visit, and your besties are expecting you to drop them off at all times, even if it means driving around the whole town. It's hard to decline a friend in need, but it's perfectly recommendable when you're still gaining the habit of driving.
So, now you should be completely ready! Take your documents, and go for a safe ride. Practice makes perfect after all, but only if you bear our tips in mind.