If you’ve just gotten your hands on the wheel, chances are you’re likely to be as jittery as a magnitude 5 earthquake. What with the other cars buzzing pass you?
Here are some expert advice:
1. Start with the basics. Check your lights by turning on the hazard so you’d see which is working and not – starting off with the head lamps, then the signals and the rear.
2. Feel your car. Before you go, check your bearings, if you will, by trying the clutch and gears. Get an idea as well about how the engine works so as not to end up punishing it.
3. Be comfortable with your seat. Ever wondered why seats can be adjusted? It’s for the driver to find the perfect comfort especially if he is in for the long haul. Besides, you wouldn’t want to make last-minute adjustments which ate often times dangerous.
4. Focus. As they say, keep your eyes on the road. Best of all, keep your hands off your mobile phone.
5. Keep distance. According to Road Safety UAE, make sure, that you leave enough space to the car in front of you to be able to brake if needed; and to have a clear view of the traffic situation.
6. Always use signals when making turns. This is very basic because they inform the other motorists about what you are planning to do and hence could act on time and appropriately, hence avoiding an accident.
7. Avoid honking too much. Car honks, like signals, help other motorists be aware of a situation at hand. Honking too much could provoke road rage.
8. Keep calm. Stay cool and don’t let it get up your head because if you do, there us a high likelihood you’d end up in trouble.
