So you just got your driver's license and are starting to gain some behind-the-wheel experience. You may quickly start seeing many things that don't make sense or contradict what your driving test, instructor, or parents taught you. Check out these things that no one told you about driving.
7 Things No One Tells You About Driving
Considering you're 1.5 times more likely to get in a crash in the first months of having your license, knowing these tips can help keep you safe.
1. There Are a Ton of Bad Drivers
You might think since everyone has to pass driving tests, they all know how to properly operate a car. You'll quickly see that isn't the case. You'll encounter people who disregard all traffic laws by speeding, not obeying road signs, running red lights, and even driving distracted. This is a perfect reason why you should take a defensive driving course.
2. How to Drive in All Weather Conditions
Depending on where you live and the time of year when you learned how to drive, you may have never encountered a variety of weather conditions. Although it's hard to learn without hands-on practice, you should at least have an idea of how to handle hydroplaning in a rainstorm, how to drive in the snow, and even what to do if you see a tornado while you're driving.
3. You Have to Do a Lot of Vehicle Maintenance
Of course, you know that you need to keep gas in your car's tank, but there are a lot of other parts that need maintenance as well. Keep an eye on your tires, wiper blades, brakes, filters, and all of your fluid levels, or you could be in for a costly repair bill. Check your vehicle's owner's manual for a maintenance schedule you can follow.
4. Your Parents Aren't Driving Experts
You were likely taught that your parents are always right, but unfortunately, this doesn't always ring true. They may have learned to drive 20-30 years ago, so they might not be completely up to date on traffic laws. Either that, or they just might not know how to properly teach new drivers in general.
5. No One Knows How to Use the Passing Lane
Typically, on a highway, slower cars stay in the right lanes while the left lanes are for passing. This is another idea that doesn't always work as expected. Some drivers will just drive in the passing lane their whole trip, causing traffic to back up. Other aggressive drivers will just tailgate so other cars don't have the room to switch lanes, also causing extra traffic.
6. Every Area Has Its Own Driving Style
Just as the driving conditions are different in every climate, each city could potentially have its own driving style. You probably heard drivers in Boston or New York City are very aggressive, while those in more rural areas like the midwest drive at a slower pace. Any time you drive in a new city, pay extra attention to how the drivers operate.
7. Keep Your Keyring Light
You shouldn't keep a ton of keys, keychains, and other toys on your key ring. Your collection may look fun, but all of the extra weight slowly damages the car's ignition system. One day, your car might not start up.
Watch for These 7 Things When You're on the Road
Now that you know a few new things to look out for when you're driving, you need to know how to react to them. One way you can learn more about the rules of the road is by taking a defensive driving course at IDriveSafely.com. Our courses are available completely online so you can learn how to drive defensively at your own pace.
Updated 1/4/23
