Getting out on the road for the first time can be very challenging even if you have had the advantage of taking driver’s education classes. Toyota of Denton offers these first time driver tips designed to help new drivers get off to a good start, overcome your inexperience, and make your overall driving experience far more enjoyable both for yourself and for those you are sharing the road with.
Hands on the Wheel
While this might seem rather obvious, you might be surprised at how many drivers, both new and experienced, tend to forget this. This means making all adjustments such as seat, mirrors, radio and everything else before you pull out of the driveway. Doing this means not having to take your hands of the wheel while you are driving at highway speeds, reducing the risk of an accident.
Eyes on the Road
This follows right along with the previous suggestion. While most of us like to listen to the radio when driving, taking your eyes off the road to tune to a new station or change a CD means risking losing track of what is going on around you. If you are fortunate enough to have steering wheel mounted controls, you should always use them. Otherwise set your radio and forget it before taking off. Many experts recommend you leave the radio off until you have become used to driving your car.
No Food at the Wheel
Keeping in the same vein and even if you have many years of experience, you should never try to eat while driving. Not only does this mean taking one hand off the wheel, but eating can also be very distracting. Your attention should always remain focused on the road ahead and what is going on all around you. You cannot do this successfully when trying to take a bite out of a hamburger or sandwich. The same applies to drinking or anything else you see other people doing while they are driving, including putting on makeup or shaving.
Turn that Cell Phone Off
As if there were not enough distractions in your car already, now you have a cell phone that has for many people become a natural extension of their hand. From texts to emails and from music to phone calls, nothing can be more enjoyable or more distracting. Recent studies have found that texting while driving can be just as dangerous as driving while you are drunk. The best thing you can do for your safety and for the safety of those around you, is to turn your cell phone off the minute you get in your car. 
If for any reason you need to use the phone, pull off the road and park somewhere safely. Never use your cell phone while you are driving, in Texas the laws state drivers under 18 or with a learner’s permit may not drive while using their cell phone, and many cities have also banned driving while using a cell phone in any way.
Buckle Up Before Taking Off
Yet another highly obvious tip, you might be surprised at how many people still refuse to buckle up before putting their car in gear. In most states it is now a ticketable offense if you are caught no wearing your seatbelt. If for no other reason beyond avoiding a ticket and keeping yourself safe, never drive without your seatbelt on, even if you are just going down the block to the local store, you never know when it might save your life.
Pay Attention Every Minute, Every Mile
No matter how you look at it, from cell phones, to the radio, to eating while you are driving, the most important thing you need to remember while driving is that your attention should always be focused on driving. You are in charge of several thousand pounds of fast moving vehicle with the potential to severely injure or kill yourself and others. Buckle up, put away the phone, wait until you are stopped to eat, and stay in your lane to ensure you are one of the safest drivers on the road.
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