Safe Driving Tips for New Drivers

Have a Safe Trip: Safe Driving Tips for New Drivers

cristinef
cristinef Nov 16, 2018
15
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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.

cristinef
cristinef Nov 16, 2018

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To The Person Feeling Like They're Losing Their Hometown Friends

Don't fret to much, if they are truly your best friends, you aren't gonna lose them.

Kiersten_nicole__
Kiersten_nicole__ Apr 25, 2019
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When you grow up and leave home to go to college or whatever your plans are after high school, you and your hometown best friends promise to make time for each other. You promise to always get together over breaks and to visit each other if you aren't going to the same schools or living in the same town.

But you realize over time that maybe those promises aren't gonna be kept.

Life gets complicated. School starts to become harder and harder, there are extracurriculars and work, and trying to figure out the rest of your lives; things start to get in the way. Visiting starts to happen less and less, getting together over breaks gets more complicated, you try to stay in contact but the hours in the day seem to get shorter and shorter. There are too many things that you have to accomplish in one day that it's difficult to know if you can even get together.

You start to ask yourself "Am I losing my closest friends?"

And the answer to that question is no, your lives are changing and things are starting to become real but they will always be there. Just because you don't talk all the time or you go a few months without seeing each other, they are still your friends. They will always care and always be there. Don't stress about it too much, they are always gonna be there, it's just that your lives are pulling all of you in different directions and it can get hard to keep up with everyone because you are all so busy.

You are growing up but you're not necessarily growing apart!

If they are truly your best friends they will always be there, and you there for them. As time goes on, your lives will continue to change but you are always gonna be friends. Just know that they are there when you need them, and when you do get to see each other, it's like nothing has changed and you pick up right where you left off. Your friendship is important to all of you. Don't let a little bit of silence or a busy life cause problems. You haven't lost them, trust me, you all are just figuring out life. Don't take it personally when you don't talk for a while.

"Amigas, Cheetahs, Friends for life" — Cheetah Girls

Kiersten_nicole__
Kiersten_nicole__ Apr 25, 2019
At Florida Gulf Coast University

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How to Prepare an Enjoyable First RV Road Trip

cristinef
cristinef Nov 24, 2018
20
views

You felt excited when you bought your recreational vehicle, and now the thrill is even bigger since you are finally going to embark on your very first road trip with it. This vacation is going to be different from everything you have done so far. As it is the case with all firsts, there is a fair chance to overlook some important details, so here is a list of all the things you should check and do prior to setting off on your big adventure.

Take it for a test drive

Surely you have already done this before the purchase, but you could definitely make use of a few more hours behind the wheel. Since this is your first RV, it takes some time to get used to switching lanes, or driving it uphill and downhill. You'll also never forget to secure the drawers if you see anything flying out of them during a sudden turn.

Check the weather

It almost goes without saying, but make sure you always look for the forecast for a longer period than the length of your trip. Experiencing a storm in the middle of your journey is going to make it memorable, though not in a good way. Also, bad weather increases chances of accidents.

Check the paperwork

In short, collect all the necessary documentation. You should have your credit cards, cash, ownership documents, a map (in addition to the GPS device), and emergency telephone numbers. Furthermore, you never know what can happen on the road, so it's highly recommendable you get some kind of insurance, such as Good Sam Extended Warranty Protection, since this type of mechanical breakdown insurance comes with quite a few benefits.

Make a plan

Even though exploring the great outdoors with an RV seems to be a personification of spontaneity, you still need to have some fixed points, especially if you have small kids on board. Campgrounds get booked sooner than you think, so you had better do that on time. They are very convenient because you can find the necessary RV hook ups there, as well as other facilities. Don't take this for granted, though – always ask for details about their electrical, water, and sewage hookups.
As for the Wi-Fi, don't always count on it. Some campsites can be so crowded that it's almost impossible to get a good connection.

Glorious food

Surely you have in mind what groceries and snacks you're going to bring, but is your fridge in order? Turn it on 12 hours before you set off to check it's working properly. In order to cook food, you'll need pots, pans and dishes, too.

Ways to have fun

To make the trip truly enjoyable, think of different ways to entertain yourselves both indoors and outdoors. Bring cards, board games, or tablets. Kids can do some projects or some coloring activities. To really make the most of your vacation, do some research on what is going on in the area you are traveling to. Perhaps there is a festival, a funfair, or some interesting landmarks to be visited. Camping and time in a campsite needn't be the only highlights of your trip.

Necessities and extras

We have already mentioned some documents, but here is what else should be checked off the list.

A Swiss army knife, flashlights and a complete first aid kit are a must. You should also bring some medications just in case, as well as an insect repellent (there probably won't be a pharmacy around the corner when you need one). Toiletries are on the list, too.

RVs are quite spacious, so you can definitely bring your bikes, sleeping bags, hiking boots, as well as pillows for ultimate comfort. You needn't pack lightly when it comes to clothes either, but bear in mind the weather forecast.

So, you can finally get a taste of adventure and satisfy your inner nomad! Prepare well, and you will fully enjoy the whole experience.

cristinef
cristinef Nov 24, 2018

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